UBA, Ecobank Win Banks of the Year Awards

• UBA, Ecobank Win Banks of the Year Awards

The Banker Magazine has named the United Bank for Africa Plc the 2017 African Bank of the Year.

According to a statement by the lender, it is the first time a Nigerian-headquartered bank will be wining the regional award.

This came just as Ecobank Transnational Incorporated won “Bank of the Year” awards in five of its countries of operation.

Ecobank scored the five-trophy hall at The Banker awards, which were held at the Hilton London Bankside, with Cameroon, Guinea Conakry, Gambia, Togo and Uganda, all emerging triumphant, the lender said in a statement on Thursday.

Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Ade Ayeyemi, said, “Ecobank is truly honoured to receive these awards. To remain relevant in Africa’s banking world of tomorrow, there is a pressing need for banks to disrupt themselves and transform their operating models. Ecobank is embracing these forces for change as we seek to build the most efficient digital banking platform in Africa.”

Meanwhile, UBA also said that UBA Congo, UBA Tchad, UBA Gabon and UBA Senegal emerged the Best Bank of the Year in Congo, Tchad, Gabon and Senegal, respectively reinforcing the strong franchise of the group across its chosen markets in Africa.

A publication of the Financial Times Newspaper, The Banker Magazine is a global financial intelligence magazine that provides global bank ratings/analysis and it is the definitive reference in international banking for high level decision makers globally.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, who was delighted by the recognition from The Bankers said; “These awards mark another milestone for UBA Group and is a testament of the diligent execution of the bank’s strategic initiatives on customer service. Being recognized as Africa’s best bank complements positive feedback from customers and is a recognition of our improving efficiencies, service quality and innovation.”