Full List Of Nigerian Banks That Have Secured Their Licences

The Nigerian banking sector is regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which issues licences to financial institutions based on capital strength, operational scope, and regulatory compliance. Banks receive licences that determine the breadth of their operations — from purely domestic activities to international banking.

1. Types of Banking Licences in Nigeria

Nigerian banks are broadly categorised by licence type:

International Banking Licence

• What it means: Authorises the bank to operate both within Nigeria and internationally — including cross-border services and branches in other countries.

• Requirements: Higher capital thresholds (historically around ₦500 billion in paid-up capital).

National Banking Licence

• What it means: Allows a bank to operate anywhere within Nigeria but restricts it from establishing full banking operations internationally.

  
  
  
  
  

• Requirements: Lower capital thresholds than international licences (around ₦200 billion in paid-up capital under recent regulatory frameworks).

Regional Banking Licence

• What it means: Permits operations in selected states or geographic regions of Nigeria rather than nationwide coverage.

• Typical use: Smaller banks focusing on specific regional markets.

2. Banks with International Licences

These banks have met the highest regulatory and capital requirements and are authorised to engage in international banking activities.

As of early 2026, the following banks hold international licences:

1. Access Bank Plc

2. Fidelity Bank Plc

3. First Bank of Nigeria Ltd

4. Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank)

5. United Bank for Africa (UBA)

6. Zenith Bank Plc

These institutions are among Nigeria’s largest and most systemically important banks, with extensive branch networks domestically and presence across multiple African and global markets.

3. Banks with National Licences

Banks in this category can operate across all states of Nigeria, serve retail and corporate customers, and partake in major economic activities, though they do not carry full international authorisation.

Examples include:

• FCMB (First City Monument Bank) – recently secured a national licence and is pursuing stronger capital to qualify for international status.

• Wema Bank Plc

• Standard Chartered Bank (Nigeria)

• Citibank Nigeria Limited

• Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited

• Sterling Bank Limited

• Globus Bank Limited

• Premium Trust Bank Plc

(This list is not exhaustive, as CBN’s published list features more national banks like EcoBank, Unity Bank, Keystone Bank, Polaris Bank, Titan Trust Bank, Union Bank, Optimus Bank, etc.)

4. Banks with Regional Licences

These banks focus on specific regional markets within Nigeria. Their licences allow limited geographical operations compared to national banks. Common examples include:

• Providus Bank Ltd

• Parallex Bank Ltd

• Suntrust Bank Nigeria Ltd

• Signature Bank Ltd

Regional banks often position themselves as agile, customer-centric players targeting local businesses and consumers.

5. Other Licensed Banking Institutions

Besides the main commercial banks, the Nigerian financial system also includes:

Non-Interest (Islamic) Banks

These banks operate in accordance with Islamic banking principles and possess CBN licence authority to serve compliant customers. Examples historically included Jaiz Bank Plc, Taj Bank Ltd, etc.

Merchant Banks

These institutions primarily focus on corporate finance, investment banking, and wholesale activities rather than broad retail services. Examples include Coronation Merchant Bank, FBN Merchant Bank, FSDH Merchant Bank, etc.

Financial Holding Companies

Some large banking groups are structured as holding companies that own one or more operating-licensed banks. Examples are Access Holdings Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, etc.

6. Recent Regulatory Context: CBN Recapitalisation Drive

To strengthen the resilience of Nigeria’s banking sector, the CBN introduced a recapitalisation exercise starting in 2024, aimed at ensuring banks maintain robust capital bases and risk-management frameworks. This initiative created clearer boundaries between licence categories and encouraged consolidation and strategic capital planning among banks.

7. Why Licences Matter for Customers and the Economy

✔ Consumer confidence: Banks with valid licences are regulated and insured (by NDIC) — offering protections for depositors.
✔ Economic growth: Licensed banks provide critical credit and payment services that fuel businesses, trade, and infrastructure.
✔ Global connectivity: Internationally licensed banks support cross-border trade and investment flows.

Summary Table – Licence Categories (Simplified)