First Bank of Nigeria Limited, the leading financial services institution in Nigeria, has unveiled a phased name change for its subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and Sub-Saharan Africa. The transition includes FBNBank UK, FBNBank Sierra Leone, FBNBank Gambia, and FBNBank DRC, which will now be recognized as FirstBank UK, FirstBank Sierra Leone, FirstBank Gambia, and FirstBank DRC. Subsequent name changes for subsidiaries in Ghana, Senegal, and Guinea are planned in the upcoming phases.
In a statement released on Monday, Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, explained that the name change aims to align these subsidiaries with the parent brand, enhancing the strong heritage and brand equity built by FirstBank over its 129 years of leadership in banking. The change is expected to improve service delivery and ensure greater brand clarity and consistency across all markets in which the bank operates.
As a prominent provider of financial inclusion services, FirstBank Group remains dedicated to its goal of nation-building. Its recent performance reflects significant strides in growth, evident from various accolades received, including the title of Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa 2023 by Global Finance Awards and Best Corporate Bank in Western Africa 2022 by Global Banking & Finance.
In the latest Euromoney Market Leaders assessment, FirstBank was recognized as a leader in Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), as well as highly regarded in Corporate Banking and Digital Solutions.
Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, CEO of FirstBank Group, highlighted the significance of the name change occurring alongside the bank's 129th anniversary, emphasizing the organization's commitment to providing exceptional service and enhancing its brand presence. He noted that the new identities of the subsidiaries will help customers better understand the value of FirstBank's extensive product offerings and competitive pricing, reinforcing the institution's dedication to boosting cross-border business and trade relations among African nations.
FirstBank, established in 1894, currently serves over 36 million customers across more than 750 locations in Nigeria and has an international presence in nine other countries, including the UK, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and the Republic of Congo. Renowned for its commitment to digital banking, the bank has achieved several milestones, including the issuance of over 12 million cards and offering over 12 million customers access to its USSD Quick Banking services.
The bank's initiatives to promote diversity include a commitment to increasing the participation of women in management roles and its membership in UN Women, showcasing its dedication to gender equality and inclusion.
FirstBank's long-standing reputation in the financial sector is further solidified by numerous awards and recognitions over the years, underscoring its status as a credible financial partner for investors seeking opportunities in Nigeria and beyond. With a vision to be Africa's bank of first choice, FirstBank is focused on providing top-tier financial services, driven by its core values of Entrepreneurship, Professionalism, Innovation, and Customer-Centricity.