Zenith Bank Retains Top Spot as Nigeria’s Number One Bank by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th Year
In a strong testament to its enduring financial leadership and commitment to sustainable growth, Zenith Bank Plc has once again emerged as Nigeria’s number one bank by Tier-1 Capital, marking its sixteenth consecutive year at the top of the prestigious Top 1000 World Banks ranking by The Banker, a publication of the Financial Times Group, UK. In the 2025 edition, Zenith Bank is ranked 581st globally, with an impressive Tier-1 Capital of $2 billion, reflecting the bank’s robust financial stability and strategic growth trajectory.
This achievement is a significant endorsement of Zenith Bank’s performance in the 2024 financial year, underscoring its consistent focus on innovation, sound risk management, and stakeholder value creation—hallmarks of its strategy for long-term sustainability and impact in Nigeria’s banking ecosystem.
What Tier-1 Capital Ranking Means and Why It Matters
Tier-1 Capital serves as a key global benchmark for assessing the financial strength and resilience of banks. It includes core capital components such as common stock, disclosed reserves, retained earnings, and equity interests in subsidiaries. A high Tier-1 ratio not only indicates a bank’s ability to withstand financial stress and absorb losses, but also boosts investor and depositor confidence.
Zenith Bank’s sustained Tier-1 leadership highlights its ability to deliver on its core mandate of financial inclusion and responsible banking, while maintaining a strong capital buffer that ensures operational resilience in Nigeria’s dynamic financial environment.
CEO Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji Applauds Team and Stakeholders
Commenting on the bank’s latest recognition, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, expressed deep gratitude to the stakeholders whose commitment and support have kept the bank on its upward trajectory.
“We are thrilled to have retained our position as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th consecutive year. This achievement is a reflection of Zenith Bank’s strong financial fundamentals, prudent risk management practices, and the enduring trust of our customers and partners,” she stated.
Dr. Umeoji also thanked Jim Ovia, CFR, the bank’s visionary founder and Chairman, for laying the foundation of a resilient and dynamic banking institution. She extended appreciation to the Board for providing sound corporate governance, and to employees across all levels for their unrelenting commitment to excellence.
2024 Financial Performance: Strong Metrics Across the Board
According to Zenith Bank’s audited financial results for 2024, the bank delivered record-breaking growth across key performance indicators:
- Gross Earnings: Grew by 86%, from ₦2.13 trillion in 2023 to ₦3.97 trillion in 2024
- Interest Income: Increased by a massive 138%, driven by growth in the loan book and investments in high-yield government securities
- Profit Before Tax (PBT): Rose by 67%, reaching ₦1.3 trillion, up from ₦796 billion in 2023
- Dividend Payout: Totaled ₦195.67 billion, representing ₦5.00 per ordinary share
This stellar performance is a clear signal of Zenith Bank’s ability to balance profitability with sustainable impact, solidifying its reputation as one of Africa’s most efficient and forward-thinking financial institutions.
Recognitions and Global Awards Cement Zenith’s Leadership
Zenith Bank’s continued excellence in banking operations, innovation, governance, and sustainability has earned it a shelf full of prestigious international and local awards. These accolades reflect the bank’s enduring value across multiple touchpoints—financial strength, digital innovation, social responsibility, and sustainable practices.
Some notable awards include:
- Bank of the Year (Nigeria) – The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards (2020, 2022, 2024)
- Best Bank in Nigeria – Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards (2020–2022, 2024, 2025)
- Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria – Euromoney Awards 2023
- Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria – World Finance (2022–2024)
- Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria – International Banker Awards 2023 & 2024
- Best in Corporate Governance, Africa – Ethical Boardroom (2020–2023)
- Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria – Banker Magazine Top 500 Brands (2020 & 2021)
A Champion for CSR and Sustainable Development
The bank’s sustainability efforts align closely with Nigeria’s and Africa’s broader goals for financial inclusion, climate resilience, and socio-economic transformation—a reflection of how corporate institutions can integrate purpose into profit.
Innovation and Retail Growth in Focus
Zenith Bank’s strategic investments in retail banking innovation, product digitization, and MSME support have continued to yield dividends. At the 2025 Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards, the bank’s Hybrid Offer was named “Rights Issue/Public Offer of the Year”, further underlining its role as a trailblazer in capital markets and retail innovation.
Other notable recognitions include:
- Retail Bank of the Year (2020–2022, 2024 – BAFI Awards)
- Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria
- Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria – International Banker 2022
- Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 – Nairametrics
Conclusion: Zenith Bank Sets the Standard for Sustainable Banking in Africa
Zenith Bank’s 2025 Top 1000 World Banks ranking not only reinforces its standing as Nigeria’s top-tier bank, but also showcases a broader narrative—that of a visionary institution deeply invested in financial strength, sustainable development, innovation, and inclusive impact.
As African economies seek stronger, more resilient financial systems to navigate global uncertainties, Zenith Bank remains a shining example of what responsible, high-impact banking can look like in practice.
At CSR REPORTERS, we commend the leadership of Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, the Board of Directors, and the entire team at Zenith Bank Plc for sustaining this momentum and delivering value that goes far beyond the balance sheet. Their continued commitment to corporate governance, social responsibility, and innovation positions the bank as a model for 21st-century African banking.