Over 13 Decades of Leading Banking Services
As a national icon and an international player, FirstBank is one of the most enduring financial services brands in Africa with international footprints extending through its subsidiaries; FirstBank (UK) Limited in London and Paris; FirstBank in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra-Leone and The Gambia; FBN Bank in Senegal; as well as a FirstBank Representative Office in Beijing, China. FirstBank has been nimble at promoting a digital economy in Africa and has issued about 12.5 million cards, becoming the first bank in Nigeria to achieve this milestone.
FirstBank’s financial inclusion and cashless transaction drive have resulted in over 16.9 million users on its USSD banking service through the nationally acclaimed *894# banking service and over 8 million users on its FirstMobile App.
Since its establishment in 1894, FirstBank has consistently built relationships with customers, focusing on the fundamentals of good corporate governance, strong liquidity, optimised risk management and leadership. Over the years, the Bank has led the financing of private investment in infrastructure development in the Nigerian economy by playing key roles in the Federal Government’s privatisation and commercialisation schemes. With its global reach, FirstBank, one of Africa’s most sustainable financial services brands, provides prospective investors wishing to explore the vast business opportunities that are available in Africa, an internationally competitive world-class brand and a credible financial partner.
FirstBank at 132
We are woven into the fabric of society while aiding nation-building, supporting financial and commercial developments in Nigeria and Africa since 1894.
Networked across Africa, Europe and Asia
As a national icon and an international player, FirstBank is one of the most enduring financial services brands in Africa with international footprints extending through its subsidiaries, FirstBank UK Limited in London and Paris, FirstBank in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra-Leone; FBN Bank in Senegal, as well as a Representative Office in Beijing.
Our Purpose
and Promise
Our brand purpose is to always put customers, partners and stakeholders at the heart of our business, even as we standardise customer experience and excellence in financial solutions across sub-Saharan Africa, in consonance with our brand vision “To be the partner of choice in building your future”.
Our brand promise is to always deliver the ultimate “gold standard” of value and excellence. This commitment is anchored on our inherent values of passion, partnership and people, to position YouFirst in every respect.
For six consecutive years (2011 – 2016), FirstBank was named “Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria” by the globally renowned The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group and has been awarded “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” for the ninth time in 2025 by The Asian Banker Awards.
In
2025, the Bank was recognised with an outstanding array of prestigious honours.
These included “Best SME Bank in Nigeria” and “Best SME Bank in
Africa” by The Asian Banker’s Global Award; “Best Private Bank in
Nigeria” and “Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa”
by the Global Finance Awards; and “Agency Bank of the Year” by
the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Award. The Euromoney Awards of
Excellence further named the Bank “Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG” for
the second consecutive year and “Nigeria’s Best Bank for Large
Corporates” for the third consecutive year.
The
year also saw the Bank earn dual recognition as “Best Retail Bank in
Nigeria” from both Global Business and Finance Magazine and the Asian
Banker Global Middle East and Africa Awards, alongside “Best Private
Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa” from the Global Finance Awards.
In addition, Global Business and Finance Magazine honoured the Bank with
“Best CSR Bank Nigeria 2025” and “Most Innovative Digital Banking
Services Nigeria 2025,” reflecting our leadership in corporate
responsibility and digital innovation.
Other
notable accolades in 2025 included “Best Digital Self Service Initiative,”
“Best Social Media Engagement Initiative,” and “Best Cyber Security and
IT Risk Management Technology Initiative” from the Asian Banker Global
Middle East and Africa Awards, as well as “Dominant Force in Inclusive
Digital Banking” and “Systemic Anchor of the Year” from BusinessDay
and the BAFI Awards.
These
are just some of the prestigious awards won in 2025, reflecting our
unwavering brand promise of excellence, innovation, and leadership.
Corporate
Governance
We can only achieve our strategic objectives by building a sound reputation founded on the highest standards of responsible behaviour. Over the years, our Group has been recognised for its strong commitment to corporate values and governance.
With recent events surrounding the development of corporate governance, it is evident that across the globe, investors are increasingly appreciating the impact good corporate governance practices are having on their investments.
Our Vision
To be Africa’s Bank of first choice.
Our Mission
To remain true to our name by providing the best financial services possible.
