Zenith Bank Plc has once again solidified its dominance in Nigeria’s financial industry by emerging as the top-ranked bank in the country by Tier-1 capital for the sixteenth year in a row. This milestone was confirmed in the 2025 edition of the Top 1000 World Banks list, published by The Banker, a respected financial publication under the Financial Times Group based in the United Kingdom.
According to the latest rankings released in July 2025, Zenith Bank stands at 581st position globally. The bank’s Tier-1 capital, which reflects its financial strength and capacity to absorb losses, has reached a notable $2 billion. The rankings are based on banks’ Tier-1 capital figures as of the end of the 2024 financial year, a metric widely recognized by international institutions for assessing financial health and stability.
Tier-1 Capital: A Key Indicator of Financial Resilience
Tier-1 capital is the foundational element used to measure a bank’s financial strength and resilience. Defined by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), Tier-1 capital includes common equity, retained earnings, disclosed reserves, and minority interests in subsidiaries. Essentially, it reflects a bank’s core ability to absorb financial shocks and operate efficiently even in adverse conditions.
Zenith Bank’s consistent performance in this area not only reinforces its leadership in Nigeria but also signals its reliability to investors, depositors, and regulatory authorities both locally and internationally. A strong Tier-1 capital ratio provides the financial buffer necessary to maintain customer trust and long-term operational sustainability.
CEO Attributes Success to Strategic Leadership and Stakeholder Loyalty
Speaking on the achievement, Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, expressed her delight at the bank’s enduring success. She described the sixteenth consecutive recognition as a testament to the institution’s unwavering dedication to sound financial practices, customer satisfaction, and innovation-driven banking.
She further extended her gratitude to the bank’s founder and chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, acknowledging his visionary leadership that has laid a solid foundation for the bank’s growth. In her remarks, Umeoji also thanked customers for their loyalty, the board for upholding robust governance principles, and the staff for their unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence.
Massive Earnings and Strong Growth in 2024
Zenith Bank’s outstanding placement in the global rankings aligns with its exceptional performance during the 2024 financial year. Based on its audited financials submitted to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the bank recorded an 86% surge in gross earnings, rising sharply from ₦2.13 trillion in 2023 to ₦3.97 trillion in 2024.
This impressive growth was largely attributed to a 138% increase in interest income. The spike in revenue was driven by the bank’s strategic investments in high-yield government securities as well as a significant expansion in its loan portfolio. These results showcase the bank’s keen understanding of the market and its ability to capitalize on lucrative investment opportunities.
Moreover, Zenith Bank’s profit before tax climbed to ₦1.3 trillion, representing a 67% increase from ₦796 billion in the previous year. The sharp rise in profit underscores the bank’s operational efficiency and prudent financial management.
Record Dividend for Shareholders
Following the bank’s impressive profit margins, shareholders were rewarded with a record dividend payout. For the 2024 financial year, Zenith Bank disbursed a total of ₦195.67 billion in dividends, equating to ₦5.00 per ordinary share. This dividend reflects the bank’s consistent profitability and commitment to delivering tangible value to investors.
A Long List of National and Global Accolades
Zenith Bank’s consistency and leadership have earned it a long list of prestigious awards and recognitions over the years, further cementing its reputation as a premier financial institution in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Among its most notable awards:
-
Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in 2020, 2022, and 2024 by The Banker
-
Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025
-
Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the 2023 Euromoney Awards
-
Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four years straight (2021–2024) in the World Finance Banking Awards
-
Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in 2023 and 2024 by the International Banker
-
Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria from 2022 to 2024 by World Finance
-
‘Best in Corporate Governance – Financial Services – Africa’ by Ethical Boardroom for four consecutive years (2020–2023)
The bank was also recognized by several business platforms and local organizations. It received accolades such as:
-
Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker Magazine’s Top 500 Banking Brands in 2020 and 2021
-
Bank of the Year in 2023 and 2024 at the BAFI Awards
-
Retail Bank of the Year in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024 at the same BAFI Awards
-
Most Responsible Organisation in Africa and Best Company in Transparency and Reporting at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024
-
Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the same SERAS Awards
-
Best in MSME Trade Finance in 2023 by Nairametrics
-
Rights Issue/Public Offer of the Year in 2025 at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards
These awards speak volumes about Zenith Bank’s all-round excellence—from digital banking innovations to corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives.
Leading with Purpose Under New Leadership
With the appointment of Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji in 2024 as the first female CEO of Zenith Bank, the institution entered a new era of leadership rooted in inclusivity, technological advancement, and customer-driven banking.
Her tenure has seen the bank maintain its growth trajectory while embracing emerging trends in the financial world, including digital transformation, climate-conscious banking, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance.
Under her leadership, Zenith has made notable strides in empowering women, promoting gender balance in leadership roles, and strengthening transparency in financial reporting—all of which have been recognized by top industry observers.
Sustaining Excellence in a Challenging Economy
Despite economic headwinds including inflationary pressures, exchange rate volatility, and global uncertainty, Zenith Bank has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and grow. Its well-capitalized structure, coupled with disciplined risk management and innovation, has enabled the bank to navigate both domestic and international challenges.
As the Nigerian banking sector undergoes rapid change with increased competition and regulatory demands, Zenith Bank’s performance sets a benchmark for operational excellence and long-term sustainability.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Zenith Bank?
Looking forward, Zenith Bank plans to deepen its investment in digital infrastructure, expand its customer base across African markets, and continue refining its customer service offerings. Its growth strategy involves further leveraging technology to enhance accessibility, reduce costs, and increase financial inclusion for underserved populations.
Additionally, with a strong Tier-1 capital base, Zenith is well positioned to pursue strategic expansion both locally and internationally—whether through digital banking platforms, partnerships, or acquisitions.
Conclusion: Zenith’s Leadership Remains Unchallenged
Zenith Bank’s 16-year reign as Nigeria’s top bank by Tier-1 capital is no accident. It is the result of visionary leadership, strategic planning, customer trust, and consistent delivery of value. From record earnings and unmatched dividend payouts to global recognition for corporate governance and innovation, the bank continues to set the pace for others to follow.
With a clear roadmap for the future and a strong leadership team in place, Zenith Bank shows no signs of slowing down. Its legacy as a dominant force in Nigeria’s financial sector remains intact—and its ambitions to scale greater heights continue to gather momentum.
