First Bank of Nigeria Limited, West Africa’s premier financial institution and leading financial inclusion services provider, announced its recognition as the Best Private Bank in Nigeria and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa at the Global Finance ninth annual World’s Best Private Banks Awards for 2024 held at the Harvard Club of New York on March 21, 2024.

According to Global Finance, its Private Bank Awards honour banks that best serve the specialised needs of high-net-worth individuals as they seek to enhance, preserve, and pass on their wealth.

FirstBank’s Private Banking business model was revamped in January 2023 on the back of a stellar performance in 2022 to consolidate its position and maintain its pride of place as the leading Private Bank in Nigeria with distinct product offerings covering investment advisory, wealth management, asset management and lifestyle solutions.

The Bank has remained consistent in reinventing itself, enabling success through the years of its existence for the last 130 years, responding to the changes in the private wealth space and the opportunities presented by certain factors like borderless technology, renewed interest in mineral wealth, migration opportunities, concerns for wealth preservation amongst many others.

Receiving the awards, Idowu Thompson, the Group Executive, Private Banking and Wealth Management FirstBank, stated, ‘We are greatly privileged to be recipients of the prestigious awards, Best Private Bank in Nigeria, and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa. These accolades testify to our unwavering commitment to creating value, strengthening financial awareness, and driving inclusiveness in our customers’ journeys from wealth creation, growth, preservation, and its orderly transfer.’

‘We are delighted with our impact in putting our customers first,’ Thompson continued. ‘This customer-centric approach has been pivotal in enabling their successes and contributing to national development. These awards are a tribute to our esteemed customers. We reaffirm our unwavering dedication to continually improving and delivering excellence in banking.’

Joseph Giarraputo, Founder and Editorial Director of Global Finance, said, “Private banking is an art as well as a science in which knowledge of economic and financial trends is paired with a deep understanding of client needs. Global Finance’s Private Bank Awards highlight institutions that deliver both.”

Amongst other awards, FirstBank recently added to its awards kitty are Best Private Bank in Nigeria 2024 by Global Banking and Finance; Best CSR Bank in Nigeria 2024 by Global Banking and Finance; Most Innovative Digital Bank, 2024- Nigeria by Digital Banker Africa; the Most Innovative Banking Brand in Nigeria 2023 by Global Brands Awards; Financial Institution of the Year 2023 by Afrexim Bank; and Best Corporate Bank in Nigeria 2023 by Euromoney Awards for Excellence.

Amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has demonstrated exceptional leadership in integrating sustainable practices into its banking operations. Through strategic investments, innovative solutions, and a steadfast dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, FirstBank has remained a trailblazer in sustainable finance for its customers, irrespective of where they may be.