Access Bank UK Limited continues to demonstrate its commitment to global growth and social responsibility, as evidenced by its latest annual results and philanthropic endeavors. As it prepares to host its annual Access Bank Polo Day at Guards Polo Club Windsor on Saturday, 20th July, the bank has showcased yet another year of remarkable expansion in its international operations. This year was particularly notable for the rapid strides made in broadening Access Bank’s reach across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Access Bank UK Limited, a subsidiary of Access Bank PLC, has successfully expanded its presence in London, France, Malta, Hong Kong, and Dubai. These strategic moves align with the bank’s mandate to extend Access Bank’s global footprint and serve a diverse client base. With ongoing plans for further international growth, the bank anticipates making additional announcements, pending approval from relevant financial and regulatory authorities.
Corporate Responsibility and Governance Fuel Growth
The cornerstone of Access Bank’s success lies in its steadfast commitment to corporate responsibility and exemplary governance. These principles are not only pivotal to the bank’s growth strategy but are also integral to its philanthropic initiatives, particularly in Nigeria. The annual Access Bank Polo Day event serves as the culmination of a year-long fundraising campaign in partnership with UNICEF, aimed at enhancing education in Northern Nigeria.
Since its inception, the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative has made substantial contributions to educational development, including rebuilding schools in Kaduna and maintaining the education of over 8,000 students. Additionally, new solar-powered school blocks and a computer literacy center have been established, providing a safer and more conducive learning environment. The surrounding communities have also benefited from water boreholes and the provision of sewing and grinding machines, aimed at fostering economic and social development.
In the 2023 Access Polo Challenge, over a million dollars was raised to support the Access-UNICEF program, further cementing Access Bank’s commitment to driving positive change.
Innovative Financial Solutions and Accolades
According to Jamie Simmonds, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of The Access Bank UK Limited, “Our growth is driven by the strength of our customer relationships, which allows us to co-create innovative products and financial solutions. We prioritize attracting, retaining, and developing professional staff to ensure our customers always receive expert financial advice tailored to their business and personal needs. This modern interpretation of relationship management sets us apart.”
Access Bank’s dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed, with numerous accolades reinforcing its reputation. The bank has been re-accredited with the Platinum status by Investors in People and has been recognized as the ‘Best African Trade Finance Bank’ by International Finance and Capital Finance International (CFI) for six and eight consecutive years, respectively.
A Strategic Partnership with Access Bank Group
Established in 2008, The Access Bank UK Limited is regulated in the UK and offers a wide array of services, including Trade Finance, Asset Management, and Commercial Banking, to support Access Bank Group’s activities in OECD markets. The bank’s success can be attributed to its robust partnership with its parent company and its collaborative efforts during the Access Bank Group Polo Day.
The annual Polo Day event not only highlights the achievements of the bank but also shines a light on the pressing issues facing vulnerable children, orphans, and internally displaced persons. In partnership with 5th Chukker in Kaduna, Nigeria, the tournament stands as Africa’s largest charity polo event, raising funds and garnering support for the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative.
Future Prospects and Financial Inclusion
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank PLC, expressed optimism about the bank’s future, stating, “The Access Bank UK Limited is strategically positioned to become one of the top 20 banks in the UK. Our recent rights issue aims to strengthen the Group’s financial foundation and support ongoing working capital needs, including funding for organic growth across our banking and non-banking subsidiaries.”
Ogbonna emphasized the bank’s commitment to fostering growth across various sectors, creating jobs, and enhancing financial inclusion, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and underserved segments such as women and young entrepreneurs. This mission aligns seamlessly with the bank’s partnership with UNICEF, reflecting its broader vision of societal impact and sustainable development.
Uncensored Networks is dedicated to delivering comprehensive coverage of Access Bank’s continued growth and its contributions to international finance and global philanthropy. Stay tuned for more insights and updates from the world of finance and beyond.
