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In recognition of its innovative contributions to the finance sector and sustainability, Access Bank PLC was honoured with the “Best Bank Nigeria”, “Best Private Bank Nigeria”, and pan-African “Sustainability Award” during the 2021 EMEA Finance African Banking Awards.

In commenting on the awards, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, said, “We, at Access Bank, are dedicated to setting the bar for responsible business practices, demonstrating corporate brand commitment to tackling social, economic, and environmental challenges as part of our relentless endeavour to offer more than banking.”

He said this commitment, combined with Access Bank’s vision of becoming the world’s most respected African bank, has led the bank to taking the lead in promoting sustainable banking practices, financial inclusion, and the diversification of Africa’s local economies through altruistic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that have impacted the lives of many people.

According to Wigwe, in respect of the latest recognition of Access Bank for its sustainability commitment, the bank is another step closer to realising its vision. He pledged that Access Bank will continue to deliver value to all its stakeholders.

In 2019, Access Bank issued Africa’s first Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) certified corporate green bond of $41 million, in keeping with its commitment of catalysing financing for sustainable development through its practice and by advocating for approaches such as blended finance and green investment. The landmark issuance, earmarked as an instrument to support the transition to a low carbon economy, also served as the first green bond cross-listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (now Nigerian Exchange Group) and the Luxembourg Green Exchange.

Access Bank is the first sustainability-certified African commercial bank, achieving the highest level of sustainability certification under the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative (SSCI) program of the European Organisation for Sustainable Development (EOSD). The certification affirms the leadership of Access Bank in sustainability, validating the bank’s strong commitment to influencing positive market transformation.

Access Bank is also the only African bank to be recognised as qualified for the 2X Challenge, an initiative founded by the G7 Development Finance Institutions earlier this year, because of its continued commitment to mobilizing investments that advance women’s economic empowerment. Through its W Power Loan, Access Bank has disbursed over $30 million to more than 1,303 women for asset acquisition, infrastructure upgrades, and working capital for their businesses.