Best bank 2025: Access Bank (Ghana)
Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has consistently demonstrated leadership in Ghana’s banking sector through substantial financial growth, innovative digital services and significant contributions to economic empowerment and sustainability.
Maintaining a steady 7% market share in 2024 and showing remarkable financial resilience, the bank’s assets grew by 39%, rising from C12.3 billion ($1.18 billion) in late 2023 to C17.1 billion by the third quarter of 2024. Furthermore, its profit before tax surged impressively from C282 million in Q1 2024 to C837 million in Q3, indicating a robust financial performance.
In addition to financial prowess, Access Bank has been at the forefront of digital innovation, enhancing Ghana’s financial services landscape. The bank further enhanced several digital platforms such as the GhanaPay app, designed to facilitate cashless transactions and improve financial inclusion.
Its development of AccessPay and a web acquiring platform cater to streamlined business payments, while the Easy Cheque Manager has bolstered real-time cheque processing and fraud detection. Notably, the introduction of globally harmonised QR and point-of-sale terminals, along with Visa business cards and AI-driven services, showcases its commitment to providing comprehensive and forward-looking digital solutions.
Access Bank has also excelled in its commitment to environmental, social and governance initiatives which have had a tangible impact on the local community and environment. Projects like Green Ghana, which involved planting 10,000 seedlings, and initiatives supporting women’s savings groups and SMEs digital training in partnership with the Development Bank of Ghana, underscore the bank’s dedication to sustainable development and financial inclusivity.
These multi-faceted contributions to financial stability, digital innovation and community empowerment substantiate Access Bank’s accolade as Ghana’s best bank.
Best investment bank 2025: Stanbic Bank Ghana
Stanbic Bank has demonstrated market leadership with its performance in the debt capital markets (DCM), securing its award as Ghana’s best investment bank.
In 2024, the bank structured C500 million ($48.3 million) out of a total C675 million in corporate issuances, which accounts for a 75% market share. The bank executed eight out of the 10 corporate bond deals available that year, showing a significant step up from 2023, where it handled C150 million in corporate bonds across three transactions.
Its execution of landmark DCM transactions included a C200 million fixed-rate note for Kasapreko plc, marking the largest single corporate issuance in Ghana. Other key deals involved Letshego Ghana and Bayport Savings and Loans, with offerings of C200 million and C100 million, respectively, both contributing to financial inclusion and being oversubscribed.
Adding to its achievements, Stanbic Bank has been at the forefront of structuring syndicated loans promoting inclusive growth. It arranged a C124 million sustainability-linked facility for M-KOPA Ghana, targeting digital financial inclusion, and a C165 million revolving credit facility for Bayport to support public-sector workers with affordable credit. Its $56 million term loan for Engineers & Planners has propelled infrastructure and operational expansion.
These transactions underline Stanbic Bank’s pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s financial landscape and underscore its proficiency and leadership in investment banking.
Best bank for ESG 2025: Fidelity Bank Ghana
Fidelity Bank Ghana Ltd has established itself as a leader in the sustainable banking sector in Ghana, thereby earning its place as Ghana’s best bank for ESG.
The bank’s innovative ESG strategies have shown tangible impacts on both environmental and social fronts. One notable initiative, the Waste to Cash programme, successfully recycled 3.74 tonnes of paper in 2024, leading the charge in circular economy practices.
In addition, the bank has introduced a sustainability slider feature on its mobile application to educate its customers about resource efficiency, reflecting its commitment to customer engagement in sustainability.
Fidelity Bank has also been a frontrunner in financing ESG initiatives. It allocated C427.8 million ($41.3 million) in loans to SMEs and spearheaded support for 17 agritech businesses through its GreenTech Innovation Challenge, with an investment of C1.4 million. The bank’s pioneering efforts include introducing electric vehicle financing solutions and developing renewable energy investment products, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach in green innovation.
The commitment of Fidelity Bank to global ESG standards is evident through its active participation in the UN Environmental Programme Financial Initiative’s Principles for Responsible Banking. The bank aligns its operations with the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Firmly dedicated to capacity building, it has trained its staff on the Global Reporting Initiative standards, biodiversity, and science-based targeting in conjunction with the UN Global Compact Academy.
The bank demonstrates transparency and proactivity in science-based climate action by measuring its Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, indicating a comprehensive approach to ESG reporting and performance.
Through these actions, Fidelity Bank not only adheres to but also sets benchmarks in the ESG domain within the Ghanaian banking industry.
Best bank for SMEs 2025: United Bank for Africa Ghana Ltd
United Bank for Africa Ghana (UBA Ghana) has exhibited exceptional performance in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, justifying its award as Ghana’s best bank for SMEs.
In 2024, UBA Ghana significantly enhanced its SME loan portfolio, which saw a remarkable 150% increase, growing from $2 million in 2023 to $6.5 million. This growth underscores UBA’s dedicated focus on nurturing and expanding the SME segment, as evidenced by their support for 245 SME clients in the same period.
UBA Ghana has broadened its product offerings aimed at SMEs, introducing targeted solutions such as the African Continental Free Trade Area SME loan facility. This facility caters specifically to critical sectors like pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, logistics and automotive, offering innovative collateral options such as insured stock.
The bank launched capacity-building initiatives that include monthly training sessions on tax compliance, book-keeping, and strategies for business expansion, thus bolstering the sustainability of SMEs.
The bank has also made significant strides in digital innovation. The introduction of the automated loan processing portal and enhanced internet banking services for SMEs dramatically cut down loan processing times.
Additionally, UBA Ghana ensures a superior relationship management framework through the deployment of dedicated SME relationship managers across all branches, empowering SMEs with tailored advisory services and proactive support. The bank’s streamlined onboarding and loan approval processes have also led to an appreciable drop in non-performing loans to 16.6%, marking a profound improvement over the industry average of 21%.
