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.

United Bank for Africa Plc has announced that its group chairman, Tony Elumelu, will retire from the board of directors on August 21, 2026.

The bank disclosed this on Monday during its board meeting, asserting that the process was necessary after the completion of the maximum 12-year tenure for non-executive directors prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The financial institution also named a current non-executive director on the board, Emmanuel Nnorom, as its incoming group chairman, whose appointment will take effect on the same day Elumelu retires.

In a statement released shortly after the meeting, the bank said, “The Board places on record its profound appreciation to Elumelu for his visionary leadership and exceptional contribution to the strategic vision and institutional strength of the UBA Group.

“Under his chairmanship, UBA deepened its pan-African expansion strategy and now operates in 20 African countries, alongside operations in four global financial centres.

“The bank currently serves more than 50 million customers across its network. His retirement comes as Nigerian banks continue to align with the CBN’s corporate governance guidelines, which impose a maximum tenure of 12 years for non-executive directors to strengthen board independence and governance standards.”

Reacting, Elumelu on his Facebook acknowledged his years of service as the chairman of an “African institution that can compete globally, while being deeply committed to our continent’s development.”

In the post titled, “Celebrating an African Institution: My Farewell from UBA,” he said, “I have never been able to look at Africa and see only borders. Where many see fifty-four separate markets, I saw one continent, one destiny — waiting to be transformed, waiting to be believed in.

“Africa does not have a shortage of brilliant women and men. Africa suffers a shortage of institutions that outlast brilliant women and men. Today is a day of huge excitement – of potential delivered and continued opportunity. Leadership is not about holding onto a position, but knowing when an institution is ready for the next chapter.

“I conclude my tenure as Chairman of the Group Board of United Bank for Africa (UBA) on August 21, 2026, after twelve years and decades of association with this extraordinary institution, with profound gratitude, immense pride, and most importantly – great optimism for the future.”

He maintained that his objective of building the bank was to connect Africa to itself and the world and to build something that would outlive individuals.

Elumelu continued, “Today, that vision is reality. UBA Group serves over 50 million customers, operates across 20 African countries and four continents, supports trade and investment, and demonstrates that an African institution can compete globally, while being deeply committed to our continent’s development.

“This success belongs to generations of dedicated colleagues, exceptional management, visionary directors, loyal customers, supportive regulators, committed shareholders, and partners who believed in our shared purpose.”

He further welcomed his successor, Nnorom, to lead the bank, stressing that he believed in his experience, leadership, and deep understanding of the bank, while urging shareholders, customers, partners, and the entire UBA family to extend to him the same trust and support they have entrusted him with over the years.