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FirstBank Empowers SMEs with AI-Driven Growth Strategies, Hosts SMEConnect Webinar

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FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, is pleased to announce the upcoming edition of the SMEConnect Webinar scheduled to be held on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. The event will equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for business growth.

This edition is strategically curated to inform and educate SMEs on how AI can be applied to scale their businesses in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy. The chosen theme, “AI for Business Growth: From Adoption to Integration and Scalable Impact,” reflects the growing importance and timeliness of AI as one of the most influential trends shaping the SME business landscape. The session will provide SMEs with actionable insights on how to leverage AI to enhance productivity, streamline operations, strengthen customer engagement, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.

The SMEConnect webinar will feature experts, including Temitope Odude, Senior AI Solutions Architect at Microsoft as a guest speaker. Odude will provide credible and globally relevant perspectives on how SMEs can successfully adopt and integrate AI into their everyday business operations. Other speakers include Abednego Ugwueke, Head of Digital Channels, and Ibidun Adedewe, Head of SME Acquisition & Partnerships at FirstBank.

Speaking ahead of the event, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, said, “SMEs are the backbone of the Nigerian economy, and at FirstBank, we recognise that the economy cannot thrive without them. As a committed growth partner to SMEs, this session reinforces our strong focus on innovation, demonstrated through initiatives such as the use of AI‑enabled credit scoring to deliver fast, instant loans to micro‑SMEs, with over ₦1 trillion disbursed to support customers’ financial needs. Building on this foundation, we are equipping business owners with the right knowledge and practical insights on Artificial Intelligence to help them scale in the short term and drive sustainable growth. I encourage every business owner to participate in this session to gain hands‑on guidance on integrating AI into everyday business operations.”

SME owners and entrepreneurs can register for the webinar at https://firstbanknigeria.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cUr1LhWFQXymTqWtONOOVg

SMEConnect Webinar series is one of FirstBank’s signature platforms for supporting SMEs with practical knowledge and strategic insights. The Bank has consistently won awards for impacting businesses and for providing innovative solutions for customers and other stakeholders, including SMEs.

The Bank was named Best SME Bank in Nigeria and Best SME Bank in Africa by TAB Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards for 2 years as of 2025.  The Bank also won the SME Financier of the Year-Nigeria, awarded by The Digital Banker.

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Wema Bank Wins Euromoney’s Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank for Consumers 2026 Award

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Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has been named Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank for Consumers 2026 by Euromoney, one of the world’s most respected authorities on financial services and banking excellence.

The prestigious recognition affirms the Bank’s sustained leadership in digital innovation, customer experience and financial inclusion, reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s leading technology-driven financial institutions.

Presented annually, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence celebrate banks that are redefining financial services through innovation, measurable impact and outstanding customer value. In selecting Wema Bank for the award, Euromoney recognised the Bank’s successful digital transformation journey, its continuous innovation through ALAT, Africa’s first fully digital bank, and its unwavering commitment to delivering simpler, smarter and more accessible banking experiences for customers.

Commenting on the recognition, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said: “This award is a strong validation of the deliberate investments we have made over the years to build a truly digital bank that puts customers at the centre of everything we do. Innovation for us has never been about technology for its own sake. It has always been about creating solutions that make banking easier, faster, safer, and more rewarding for every customer.

“From pioneering Africa’s first fully digital bank with ALAT to continuously evolving our digital capabilities, we have remained focused on anticipating customer needs and building experiences that create real value. We are honoured by this recognition from Euromoney and inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation as we shape the future of banking in Nigeria.” He concluded.

A key milestone in Wema Bank’s digital transformation has been the evolution and upgraded version of ALAT, which introduced next-generation capabilities including voice banking, tap-to-pay functionality, personalised financial services and integrated investment opportunities through strategic partnerships. Together with faster digital onboarding, AI-powered fraud monitoring, intelligent customer personalisation and an expanding agency banking network, these innovations continue to enhance customer experience while extending financial services to more Nigerians.

Euromoney also recognised Wema Bank’s ability to leverage technology to build deeper customer relationships through data-driven personalisation, enabling customers to receive tailored recommendations across savings, investments and credit products based on their financial needs and behaviour.

For over eight decades, Wema Bank has remained at the forefront of innovation in Nigeria’s financial services industry. As the pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, the Bank continues to redefine banking by combining technology, customer insight, and innovation to deliver seamless, secure, and inclusive financial solutions for individuals, businesses, and communities.

The Euromoney recognition further reinforces Wema Bank’s commitment to building the future of banking through continuous innovation, operational excellence and customer-centric solutions that create lasting value.

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GTBank Wins Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank Award at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026

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Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (“GTBank”), the flagship banking subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO”), has been named Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, one of the most prestigious and globally recognised awards programmes in the financial services industry.

Organised annually by Euromoney, the Awards for Excellence recognise financial institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, customer service, and leadership across markets worldwide.

The recognition was announced at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026 ceremony, held on July 17, 2026, at The Peninsula London. The prestigious event convened leading financial institutions, industry executives, and policymakers from across the globe to celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership in the financial services sector.

GTBank’s recognition as Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank reflects its continued leadership in digital innovation and its commitment to delivering seamless, secure, and customer-centric financial solutions. As the banking franchise of GTCO, GTBank has consistently set industry benchmarks in digital transformation, pioneering solutions that have redefined how individuals and businesses access, manage, and experience financial services. This latest recognition underscores the Bank’s position as a market leader and reflects its sustained investment in technology, operational excellence, and innovation.

Commenting on the recognition, Mrs Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “This recognition is a testament to the legacy upon which GTBank was built and the vision that continues to guide us today. From inception, our goal has been to deliver on the Group’s vision to make end-to-end financial services accessible to everyone by leveraging technology to remove barriers, simplify experiences, and create meaningful value for our customers.”

She further added: “While we are honoured by this recognition, we see it as an acknowledgement of what we have achieved and a motivation to do even more. We remain focused on raising the bar for digital banking, investing in innovative solutions, and delivering exceptional experiences that create lasting value for our customers. As the financial services landscape continues to evolve, we will continue to innovate, adapt, and lead with the same commitment to excellence that has defined our franchise for decades.”

Over the years, GTBank has transformed the banking experience through a suite of innovative digital platforms, including the GTWORLD mobile app and solutions that provide millions of customers with seamless, secure, and convenient access to financial services. The Bank continues to strengthen its digital capabilities by introducing products and services that meet evolving customer needs while maintaining the highest standards of security, reliability, and service excellence.

This latest recognition reflects GTBank’s sustained investment in technology, innovation, and service excellence, further cementing its reputation as a trusted banking partner for millions of customers across Nigeria.

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GTBank Named Best Overall Performing Bank in Nigeria in Bankers Top 1000 World Banks Ranking 2026

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Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (“GTBank“), the flagship banking subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO“), has been named the Best Overall Performing Bank in Nigeria in The Banker magazine’s Top 1000 World Banks Rankings 2026.

The recognition reaffirms GTBank’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions and reflects the Bank’s consistent delivery of strong financial performance, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. The rankings evaluate banks globally using audited financial results, assessing institutions across financial strength, operational efficiency, risk management, liquidity, growth, and profitability.

GTBank ranked 1st overall as the best-performing bank and also ranked 1st in Efficiency and Soundness. The Bank secured 2nd place in other metrics such as Return on Risk, Liquidity, Growth, Leverage, and Profitability, demonstrating exceptional performance across all major Banking metrics

Speaking on the achievement, Mrs Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Being named the Best Overall Performing Bank in Nigeria by The Banker is a recognition that means a great deal to us, not just because of the prestige of the publication, but because of what it represents; the hard work of our People, the loyalty of our Customers, and the strength we continue to draw from being part of the Group. Ranking 1st in Overall Performance, Efficiency, and Soundness reflects our disciplined approach to banking, the synergies we harness across the GTCO Group, and our relentless focus on delivering real value. We do not take this recognition for granted. It deepens our resolve to keep raising the bar, to serve our customers better every day, and to remain a Bank that consistently delivers value to all its stakeholders, and to the GTCO Group we are proud to belong.”

This recognition reinforces GTBank’s position as one of Africa’s leading Banking franchises and reflects the strength of its business model, disciplined execution, and sustained investment in innovation. It adds to the Bank’s growing portfolio of international accolades and underscores its enduring commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences, driving sustainable growth, and creating long-term value for customers, shareholders, and the communities it serves.

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