The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Access Bank

  • Access Bank, 27 lenders develop Global Banking Principles

    Following the development of the Global Principles for Responsible Banking (GPRB) by Access Bank, 27 other global banks and other financial institutions have now become early endorsers of the principles.

    The banks include Caixa Bank, Corporación Financiera de Desarrollo (Ccofide), DGB Financial Group, GLS Bank, KB Financial Group,KBC Group, Keystone Bank, Natixis, Qatar National Bank, Standard Chartered , and Zenith Bank .

    The GPRB was launched for public consultation in Paris three weeks ago by the Arab African International Bank (AAIB) (Egypt), Access Bank (Nigeria),Banco Pichincha (Ecuador), Banorte (Mexico), Barclays (United Kingdom), BBVA (Spain), BNP Paribas (France) and Bradesco (Brazil). Others are Caixa Bank, CIMB Bank (Malaysia), Commercial International Bank (CIB) (Egypt), Corporación Financiera de Desarrollo (Ccofide), DGB Financial Group, First Rand (South Africa), Garanti Bank (Turkey), GLS Bank and Golomt Bank (Mongolia).

    Also in the list are Hana Financial Group (South Korea), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) (China), ING (Netherlands), KB Financial Group, KBC Group,Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Group (Kenya), Land Bank (South Africa),National Australia Bank (NAB) (Australia), Natixis, Nordea (Sweden), Piraeus Bank (Greece), Qatar National Bank, Santander (Spain) and Shinhan Financial Group (South Korea).

    Societe Generale (France), Standard Bank (South Africa), Standard Chartered Plc, Triodos Bank (Netherlands), Westpac (Australia), and YES Bank (India).

    The principles will first be available for signature in September 2019, but until then banks and stakeholders can signal their support for and join the initiative by becoming official endorsers of the Principles. The global principles will align the banking industry with, and scale up its contribution to society’s goals as expressed in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

    By adopting the principles, Access Bank and the other institutions have signified a commitment to help promote the uptake of the principles among their members and networks. As a member of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), Access Bank is a leading partner on the initiative.

    Speaking after the announcement, Group Managing Director/CEO Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, explained that as a member of the UNEP FI, sustainability is an important global platform for the bank, especially in achieving sustainable growth through socially-responsible corporate practices.

    “At Access Bank, we have stayed committed to ensuring that we place priority on not just being a profitable venture but also one that is deeply concerned about the planet and the people. With specific guidelines that have been developed, applied, and with rigorous monitoring, we can all ensure that we build a sustainable and prosperous future, achieve long-term business and financial benefits while driving urgent action that reduces the risk to the environment,” he said.

    Access Bank’s  Head, Sustainability,  Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan said: “In order to continuously increase on impact through sustainability practices, we will consistently align our corporate strategies with ideas and activities that contribute to our customers’ needs, proactively engage and partner with relevant stakeholders in order to achieve Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement and relevant national and regional frameworks to which the country remains committed.”

    Head, UNEP FI, Eric Usher, said: “Today we welcome the first official endorsers of the Principles for Responsible Banking. I am delighted that the Principles are already gathering support as we know that we need to see urgent action to address climate change and the other social and environmental challenges the world faces.”

    UNEP FI Banking Lead Simone Dettling added: “The Principles for Responsible Banking provide an actionable framework for banks of any size and at any starting point to align their business strategies with society’s goals. We commend the first group of endorsers for taking this important step, and call on banks around the world to endorse the Principles and help develop the sustainable banking system of the future.”

    The European Banking Federation, Natural Capital Coalition, SITAWI Finance for Good, the Spanish Banking Association, the European Association of Co-operative Banks, the European Sustainable Investment Forum, the BBVA Microfinance Foundation and the Spanish Savings Banks Confederation  also officially endorsed GPRB.

    The GPRB set the global standard for what it means to be a responsible bank and will ensure that banks create value for both their shareholders and society. They provide the first global framework that guides the integration of sustainability across all business areas of a bank, from strategic to portfolio to transaction level. The transparency and accountability mechanisms in the Principles require signatories to manage what matters most, set public targets and report back on progress.

  • Diamond Bank confirms merger with Access Bank

    The board of Diamond Bank Plc on Monday finally announced its merger with Access Bank Plc expected to be completed in first half of 2019.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that both banks recently denied media reports of any merger.

    Mr Uzoma Dozie, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, said in Lagos the board had selected Access Bank as the preferred bidder with respect to a potential merger of both banks.

    Dozie said the potential merger of the two banks would create Nigeria and Africa’s largest retail bank by customers.

    He added that the transaction to be completed in the first half of 2019 was in the best interest of all stakeholders.

    Dozie said the completion of the merger was subject to certain shareholder and regulatory approvals.

    “The proposed merger would involve Access Bank acquiring the entire issued share capital of Diamond Bank in exchange for a combination of cash and shares in Access Bank via a Scheme of Merger.

    “Based on the agreement reached by the boards of the two financial institutions, Diamond Bank shareholders will receive a consideration of N3.13 per share, comprising N1 per share in cash,” he said.

    Dozie also said the transaction would include the allotment of two new Access Bank ordinary shares for every seven Diamond Bank ordinary shares held as at the implementation date.

    “The offer represents a premium of 260 per cent to the closing market price of 87k per share of Diamond Bank on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as of Dec. 13, 2018, the date of the final binding offer,” Dozie said.

    He said the bank’s shares would be absorbed into Access Bank at the completion of the merger and Diamond Bank would cease to exist under Nigerian law.

    Read Also: Police kill two kidnap, robbery suspects in Sokoto

    “The current listing of Diamond Bank’s shares on the NSE and the listing of Diamond Bank’s global depositary receipts on the London Stock Exchange will be cancelled, upon the merger becoming effective,” he added.

    Dozie said the proposed combination with Access Bank would create one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.

    “The board of Diamond Bank believes that the proposed combination of the two operations provides an exciting prospect for all stakeholders in both businesses, he said.

    Mr Herbert Wigwe, Access Bank the Chief Executive Officer, said: “Access Bank has a strong track record of acquisition and integration and has a clear growth strategy.

    “Access Bank and Diamond Bank have complementary operations and similar values, and a merger with Diamond Bank with its leadership in digital and mobile-led retail banking’

    “This could accelerate our strategy as a significant corporate and retail bank in Nigeria and a Pan-African financial services champion,” said Wigwe.

  • BAFEST: Access Bank, Livespot bring top African acts to Yuletide concert

    Following a series of cash rewards to winners of the Globe Awards, in support of the Africa International Film Festival last month, Access Bank continues its partnership with the creative sectors in Africa by engaging the best of African music artistes in a concert this Yuletide.

    Tagged BAFEST, an acronym for Born in Africa Festival, the biggest names in Africa’s creative and entertainment industry will be showcasing their immense talents at Eko Atlantic City on December 16, 2018.

    Powered by Access Bank and brought to life by Livespot, the anticipated show is a celebration of the unparalleled dynamism of the African spirit.

    Fresh out of the Global Citizen Festival in South Africa, Nigeria’s very own Tiwa Savage and D’Banj will be performing alongside other African artistes at BAFEST 2018.

    An excited Tiwa Savage says, “I am delighted to be a part of Born in Africa Festival. This feels like Coachella Live in Africa and I can’t wait to give the best of African sounds to the World.”

    Organisers say the festival is designed to celebrate Music, Art, Film and Fashion which promote the African story to a global audience.

    Amaechi Okobi, Group Head, Communications & External Affairs at Access Bank Plc, speaks about BAFEST as the climax to a series of creative events the bank has embarked upon.

    He says: “We are proud to be showcasing the best of African vibes at this historic event. It is the climax of all our efforts to change the Nigerian and African narrative. Our string of event partnerships such as the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Art X Lagos, the Africa International Film Festival and the Born in Africa Festival all aim to change the continent’s negative narrative as well as to project it as a hub for entertainment and creativity. BAFEST is a day-long event which kicks off at 9am with the Fashion, Art and Film Park, where various artistes and fashion designers will exhibit their works, while some of Africa’s finest Filmmakers will host movie screenings.

    The main concert featuring Africa’s biggest talents starts at 6pm.”

    In line with the theme of the event which is Retelling the African Story, organizers have put together an impressive lineup of artistes, including Awilo Longomba, Sho Madjozi, Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Timaya, Davido, Kizz Daniel,Yemi Alade, Falz, Dbanj, Burna Boy, Flavour and other surprises.

    The event will also feature some of Africa’s most prolific models and fashion designers such as Oluchi, Millen Magese, DavidTlale, Torlowei, Blingshiki and Tiffany Amber.

     

  • Access Bank unveils Born in Africa Festival

    Access Bank is introducing to the African entertainment and lifestyle scene, a highly entertaining fusion of Music, Art, Film and Fashion – Born in Africa Festival (BAFEST).

    Designed uniquely to retell the African story globally and better connect the world to Africa, BAFEST is set to hold on December 16th.

    The Born in Africa Festival is a celebration of the unparalleled dynamism of the true African spirit, birthed from a need to tell the true African story in all its glory. A full day’s event where Africa’s finest creatives showcase their talents to the world.

    Speaking about BAFEST 2018, Amaechi Okobi, Group Head, Communications & External Affairs, Access Bank Plc said;

    “Access Bank is delighted to present Born in Africa Festival and we are excited about the interesting line up of African stars and creatives that would be performing and showcasing. For Access Bank, this is yet another opportunity to continue to give voice and credence to richness of African creativity and talent. As seen with our partnership with events like Art X, we are happy to provide a platform for the world to access African culture through music, fashion, art and film.”

    The Born in Africa Festival takes place at Eko Atlantic City and features notable music stars such as Awilo, Sho Madjozi, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Falz, Olamide, Yemi Alade, Kizz Daniel, D’banj and lots more. Venue opens at 9am with the Fashion, Art and Film Park, where various artists and fashion designers like David Tlale and Tiffany Amber will exhibit their works, while some of Africa’s finest Filmmakers will host movie screenings. A music concert will close off the day’s activities, starting at 6pm.

    Born in Africa Festival is powered by Access Bank and produced by Livespot, producers of the critically acclaimed Love Like A Movie event series.

    Known as one of Africa’s most innovative financial institutions, Access Bank Plc was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1998 and serves its various markets through 4 business segments: Personal, Business, Commercial and Corporate & Investment banking. Consistently seeking ways to expand across the African continent, the Bank currently operates through a network of about 366 branches across major cities and commercial centers in Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, United Kingdom, ands representative offices in Lebanon, the UAE, India and China.

  • CBN names Access Bank Most Sustainable Bank of the Year

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has named Access Bank the Most Sustainable Bank of the Year in the 2018 edition of its annual awards for sustainability which held on December 8, in Lagos.

    Coming twice in as many years, this recognition validates the commitment of the Herbert Wigwe-led financial institution to position sustainability at the core of its operations and service delivery. It follows several successes recorded by the bank in the year under review especially in the areas of sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    The bank also received top prize in Excellence in Women Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Transaction of the Year categories for its achievements in the oil and gas and power sectors.

    In his reaction to the award recognition,  Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe dedicated the victory to the staff and customers of the bank while appreciating them for their continued trust in its policies. According to him, receiving such accolades from the CBN is an indication that the bank is on the right path with its sustainability efforts.

    “We are very excited to have been done this honour by the Central Bank of Nigeria. We see it as more than an award but an indicator that our efforts are been recognised and a challenge for us to keep at it. We dedicate these awards to our loyal customers and committed staff members for believing in the bank’s vision of helping to build a sustainable Nigeria and by extension, Africa,” Wigwe said.

    Corroborating Wigwe, the bank’s Head, Sustainability, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan expressed delight at the awards, stating that such recognition will further boost the bank’s interest in sustainability in the years to come.

    “We have in time past received several awards for our efforts in sustainability but we are particularly excited about this one for obvious reasons especially as we are winning some categories back to back. This further proves that our efforts are being recognised and duly rewarded, and for this, we are really grateful,” Victor-Laniyan said.

    This award comes on the heels of the recently held SERAs CSR awards where the Bank was awarded Most Sustainable Business of the Year and Best Sustainability Practitioner for the second time in a row.

  • Access Bank named Africa’s most responsible business at SERAS Awards

    Access Bank Plc has  won the ‘Most Responsible Business in Africa’, and three other awards at the 12th edition of the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS) held in Lagos at the weekend.

    The SERAS Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) awards is an annual event aimed at recognizing and celebrating organizations for investing resources in the improvement of lives and the environment they serve through several innovative program and initiatives.

    Other awards won by the bank include Best Partnership for Development; Best Corporate Communication Team and Sustainability Practitioner of the Year – received by Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, Group Head, Sustainability at Access Bank.

    The award ceremony attracted several dignitaries, business executives and several other sustainability professionals across the continent. Specifically, a total of 26 awards were presented to several corporate organizations and individuals in recognition of their efforts toward practicing sustainable business principles and embedding concern for the environment into their business consideration.

    Speaking at the event,  Executive Director, Personal Banking, Access Bank, Victor Etuokwu, said “We believe that a sustainable business is a more successful business, hence we have made sustainability the bedrock of all our business operations over the last ten years. These awards represent a recognition of what we have done and point to the things that lie ahead. We are truly grateful to God and the organizers, and we are inspired by this opportunity”.

    Since 2008, Access Bank has shown unwavering commitment to sustainability, winning several awards in recognition of its hard work. In 2018, Access Bank emerged ‘The Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria’ at the World Finance Awards, the Kalsruhe Sustainable finance award for ‘Outstanding Sustainability Leader of the Year’; Euromoney Awards for ‘Africa’s Best Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility’ among other notable awards.

  • Access Bank rallies bankers, regulators aginst e-fraud

    Access Bank Plc yesterday hosted its annual anti-fraud week stakeholders’ workshop in Lagos.

    The event, attended by bankers across the industry and representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Interbank Setllement System (NIBSS)  was opportunity for stakeholders to share ideas on how to tackle e-fraud.

    Speaking the the event, Executive Director, IT and Operations at Access Bank Plc, Ade Bajomo, said the objective of the programme was  to share information and deepen knowledge on identity fraud. “It is actually, one for the fastest growing sector in the crime industry. Everything we are doing right now, is becoming more digital.  As we become more digital, we have to raise our awareness, because we are as strong as our collective awareness”.

    Speaking further, he said: “If I know something has happened to my neighbor, I am more aware of it, and I will do something that will prevent me from being exposed to it. The purpose of today’s event is to bring together, industry knowledge, and experience and share information and deepen knowledge about identity fraud, social engineering fraud, so that we can actually protect our customers better dustry,” he said.

    Continuing, he said: “From our security perspective, we think through security and we build it inside our projects. You cannot see projects conceived and run in Access Bank without having security in mind. We have people being trained and constantly being trained.

    Also speaking, representative of Nigeria interbank settlement System (NIBSS), said e-fraud attacker uses human interaction to obtain or compromise information.  “Attacker my appear unassuming or respectable. Pretend to be a new employee, account manager among others”.

    Linus Okeke of Ernst and Young, said  by asking questions, the attacker may piece enough information together to infiltrate a companies network.

  • Access Bank rewards filmmakers with cash prizes

    An its commitment to the arts and entertainment industries in Africa, Access Bank, at the weekend, honoured award winners at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2018 Globe Awards which held at Twin Waters, Lekki, Lagos.

    The awards ceremony which wrapped up the festival, recognized the works of filmmakers from across the Africa.

    As official partners to the festival, Access Bank awarded winners across several categories with cash prizes, including Best Female Actor, Best Male Actor, Best Director, Best Animation, Best Short Film, Best Documentary and the Oronto Douglas Memorial Prize for Best Nigerian Film, among others. Scholarships were also awarded to outstanding students from the talent development initiative of AFRIFF 2018.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, said, “Because we as Africans don’t know enough about ourselves, we often don’t trust one another, and it can lead to difficulty in doing business. The film industry allows us to know ourselves so much better, this week, I have met people from Rwanda, Cameroon and South Africa to name a few. There is so much that brings this continent together, and film is a wonderful vehicle for showcasing these things. We are here to empower AFRIFF year after year, because the work they do is important to celebrating works Born in Africa.”

    The event was attended by celebrities from the film industry across the continent, including Chioma Omeruah (Chigul), Lala Akindoju, Dede Michelle, Rita Dominic, Ini Edo, Uche Jombo, Kemi Adetiba, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Kunle Afolayan, Charles Novia, and Ego Boyo.

    The ceremony featured acts that thrilled the crowd with breath-taking performances.

    Access Bank says it will continue to work with people and organizations who are showcasing the very best of the African continent and championing art and creativity in Africa.

  • Access Bank marks decade of sustainable banking

    Access Bank Plc has celebrated 10 years of promoting sustainable banking with a week-long event held across the several branches within and outside Nigeria.

    The event, tagged ‘Journey to a Sustainable Future’, was held earlier in the months, and geared towards reiterating the bank’s commitment to sustainable banking.

    Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, its Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, described the celebration as an opportunity to appreciate the results recorded so far while still setting the pace for better achievements in the coming years.

    “The business of banking for us, goes beyond keeping money. We are very interested in people and the planet and we are committed to these. I am happy at the progress we have made with this since we began 10 years ago and I am very sure we will do even better in the coming years. I believe we have the most skilled, disciplined and ethical people in the industry and I can make bold to say that it is our collective effort as a team that has gotten us this far in our journey to becoming the world most respected African Bank,” he said.

    Corroborating the statement, the Head of Sustainability, Access Bank, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, added that over ten years, the bank has initiated several ideas that have demonstrated its commitment at promoting sustainability.

    The event featured series of activities including seminars, cooking competition, employee volunteering, movie screening and other exciting activities geared towards deepening the sustainability culture among the staff as well as celebrate the efforts and impact achieved over the last ten years. One of the highlights was the kick off of the biggest loser competition which aims at promoting a healthy lifestyle among the staff.

  • Three docked for obtaining bank loan with forged documents

    Three bank customers, who allegedly tendered forged documents to obtain N1.3 million loan, on Friday appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in  Lagos on a five-count charge.

    The accused are John Fashina, 26; Olawale Akinboro, 35; and Alexander Onwa, 44.

    The accused, whose addresses were not provided, were charged with conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences, theft, forgery and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Prosecutor, Inspector Ben Ekundayo, told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 16 and Aug. 24, at Lekki, Lagos.

    Ekundayo said that Fashina and Akinboro – first and second accused – fraudulently obtained the loan from Oak Payday Solution Ltd. Loan Trust Microfinance Bank.

    He said that the third accused, Onwa, who had also applied for N3 million loan from the same bank but was denied because his documents were not authentic, orchestrated the forgery.

    He said that the accused forged Zenith Bank and Access Bank documents to obtain the loan.

    “Onwa, after his own failed attempt, told Fashina and Akinboro about it and organised how they got the forged documents which they tendered and got the loan.

    “The micro finance bank detected that the documents were not authentic when it was time to deduct money from the accounts; this led to their arrest,” he said.

    The offences contravene Sections 287, 315, 320, 363 and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

    Magistrate A.M. Olumide-Fusika granted each of the accused N500,000 bail with two sureties each in like sum.

    She ordered that one of the sureties must be a relation of the accused and the other, a civil servant.

    The case was adjourned until December 21 for trial.

     

    NAN