Dear Readers,
No man is perfect, but not every man strives for perfection. But when we see those who are trying, it is never a bad thing to commend them for their efforts to be the best.
Over time in the history of the banking sector in Nigeria, bank mergers have never been a strange move; in fact, it is like a storm that takes no one by surprise. Those who are surprised are those who saw some banks “glowing” outside but “rusty” inside.
Some banks, like Oceanic Banks and Intercontinental Banks, to mention a few, never saw the end of the decade that ends in 2010. This stressed that it is never a new move for banks to merge or swallow up.
Unlike other banks, this giant Access Bank infused a copy of the Diamond Bank logo, which is a top triangle leaping upside down on each other into the former Access Bank logo of a mathematically greater than sign of three stripes, and this brought in a touch of simplicity influenced by creativity.
The announced merger between Access Bank and Diamond Bank represents a seismic shift in Nigeria’s banking landscape. Analysts across the financial services sector have hailed this deal as one of the most impactful consolidation moves the industry has ever seen.
By combining the impressive footprint and immense customer base of Diamond Bank with the extensive branch network and international operations of Access Bank, a new African banking powerhouse has emerged practically overnight.
As stated by Access Bank itself, the new entity now stands as the largest retail bank on the continent by number of customers, with over 29 million clients.
The bank has a staggeringly extensive reach, with 592 branches spanning 12 countries across 3 continents and boasting a staff strength of over 27,000.
Industry observers have noted that this accelerated expansion and increased scale have long been part of Access Bank’s vision for future growth. Through this merger, that vision has swiftly become reality. The deal has positioned Access Bank to leverage its newfound size and capacity to provide further value, innovation, and exceptional banking experiences.
With such an immediate increase in assets, customers, human talent, and locations worldwide – spanning key African business corridors – financial analysts can only speculate on what market moves Access Bank might make next on its way to continental dominance. No bank in Nigeria has ever done that; only Access Bank has.
Aside from quality service, one of the things the populace is keenly interested in is how firms react to corporate social responsibility. After all, not everyone will use a bank, but everyone can testify to its “goodness.”
Access Bank is one of the leading sponsors of most programmes in Nigeria. They are always ready to give back to the people in any way they can.
This is my testimony. A few years ago, I was at the Access Bank headquarters for a conference in partnership with the University of Susex, and it was indeed impactful.
In line with its commitment to support women and youth-owned businesses in Nigeria, Access Bank Plc has also partnered with the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide N30 billion in support for four million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, made this known in an interview with the press after a meeting with the Vice- President, Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, last month. These are just a few that I can mention, dear readers.
Have you visited the Access Bank ATM gallary? and have you listen to the theme song “one day you go make am” – another unique selling point that Accsss Bank is giving.
Traditionaly, ATM Gallary used to be calm and silent, but when Access Bank brought the innovation, it was worth waiting in line to hear a pidgin mixed with English lyrics assuring you that no matter what is happening to you now, there is a green light at the end of the tunnel.
Access Bank brought innovations into the banking sector in Nigeria; these sets of innovations are what other banks are copying.
Let us cut the big cake for Access Bank, which has gone from being a financial service provider to being among those building a sustainable Africa.
