First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank), a stalwart in Africa’s banking sector with a legacy spanning over 130 years, has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and innovate in response to societal and technological changes. Renowned for its pioneering efforts, FirstBank introduced its first ATMs to Nigeria in 1991, launched its first biometrics ATM 20 years later, and established the continent’s largest bank-led agency banking network with nearly 300,000 agents. By blending cutting-edge technology with an expansive branch network, FirstBank ensures seamless, secure, and convenient banking experiences for diverse clientele, from rural dwellers to multinational corporations. The Bank has achieved remarkable success in fostering financial inclusion, enabling over 23 million customers to access banking services via mobile phones. Furthermore, FirstBank actively collaborates with government agencies to enhance economic development and remains committed to building solutions that cater to the evolving needs of individuals, businesses, and governments. The Bank’s innovative drive led to the launch of the Digital Experience Centres in four different locations of Nigeria, featuring humanoid robots, AI, and video banking for seamless, human-less banking. Its Digital Innovation Lab also exemplifies its forward-thinking ethos, driving advances in AI, data science, and fintech. As a leader in payment systems, the Bank processes a quarter of industry transactions among deposit money banks and is the largest issuer of ATM cards in Nigeria. With a strategic focus on geographic expansion, including plans for growth into Europe and China with its 2025-2029 strategic plan cycle, FirstBank continues to be a cornerstone of prosperity and progress across Africa and beyond. The CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates First Bank of Nigeria Limited on winning the 2024 award for Banking Innovation Leader in Financial Services Africa.
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