Access Bank Named Only Nigerian Company On Forbes 2024 World’s Best Employers List
5 min read
Access Bank is the only Nigerian company named on the 2024 World’s Best Employers List by Forbes. The listing is a reflection of bank’s dedication to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises employee empowerment, inclusivity, and gender equity, leading full-service commercial bank.
As one of only 13 African companies to receive this distinction amongst the 850 ranked on the list, Access Bank has set a high standard within the African banking industry, underscoring its commitment to equitable growth and opportunities for all.
Access Bank’s leadership expressed pride in the Forbes recognition, viewing it as an affirmation of the institution’s inclusive, growth-oriented environment.
Emeka Dibia, Head of Human Resources (Nigeria), said:
“Our people are the foundation of our success. At Access Bank, we strive to create an environment that nurtures talent, encourages professional growth, and emphasises well-being. This recognition from Forbes reflects our continuous efforts to foster a culture that prioritises our employees’ satisfaction, growth, and long-term potential.”
Forbes, in partnership with market research firm Statista, surveyed over 300,000 employees across more than 50 countries to compile the list. Participants represented multinational companies operating in at least two of the six continental regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania. Employees rated their companies on factors such as salary, talent development, diversity, and remote work options, with additional input drawn from industry knowledge and connections.
Survey responses were analysed and tallied – along with data from the previous three years – with a heavier weight put on the more recent data and on the evaluations from current employees.
Meanwhile, Access Bank UK Limited has announced the official opening of its Hong Kong branch (a restricted licence bank). This expansion represents a key milestone in the bank’s global growth strategy and underscores our commitment to serving clients in the Asia-Pacific region.
The launch of the Hong Kong branch establishes The Access Bank UK Limited as the first West African bank to enter the territory, a groundbreaking move to facilitate and accelerate trade flows between Asia and Africa. As a leading international financial centre and gateway to Asia, Hong Kong is ideally positioned to become a strategic hub, strengthening trade and connectivity between the region and Africa.
Through its presence in Hong Kong, The Access Bank UK Limited will capitalise on the expanding economic partnership between Asia and Africa, supporting the increasing flow of trade between these regions.
Opening the branch in Hong Kong is a pivotal step in our international expansion. As the first West African bank to establish a presence here, it signifies a major achievement. With the continued growth of our parent company across Africa, the resilience of the Nigerian economy, and long-standing trade ties, Hong Kong serves as the ideal gateway for trade between Asia and Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Oludare E. Folowosele, Consul General of Nigeria in Hong Kong said he was delighted to celebrate “the opening of a Restricted Licence Bank in Hong Kong in the name of The Access Bank UK Limited. This is a huge milestone in the development of trade flows between Asia and Africa as the first West African banking group to attain this status. This also aligns perfectly well onto the Belt and Road initiatives between China and Africa where we see growing potentials for business flows between the two countries.”
Jamie Simmonds, Founding Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of The Access Bank UK Limited, expressed his commitment for this strategic initiative, saying: “In recent years, Asia has emerged as Africa’s largest trading region driven by programs like the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2023, China-Africa trade reached an all-time high of USD 282.1 billion, reflecting a 1.5% year-on-year growth. As Asia-Africa economic relations enter a new phase, the timing of our Hong Kong branch launch is ideal to meet the financing and banking needs of our clients in these expanding markets.”
Ernest Law, Managing Director & Chief Executive of The Access Bank UK Limited – Hong Kong Branch, in his own comment expressed delight in the establishment of the Hong Kong branch as a key element of The Access Bank UK Limited’s ongoing growth and international expansion strategy. “This new branch will enable us to engage more closely with our clients in Hong Kong and strengthen our capacity to provide tailored financial solutions across the region”, he said.
The Access Bank UK Limited – Hong Kong Branch, headed by Ernest Law, will focus on international trade finance and commercial banking. The Hong Kong branch is expected to initially employ circa 25 people however this will grow with controlled expansion over time.
The Access Bank UK Limited, Hong Kong Branch offers a broad range of products and services to assist with trade and corporate needs in Africa and Asia. The Branch is situated in the Central District of Hong Kong Island and is regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).
The Hong Kong team offers bespoke services tailored to meet customers’ business requirements and the Relationship Managers are dedicated to delivering excellent customer service and working closely with customers to fully understand their business requirements. The Hong Kong team believe in building long term relationships with customers so that they receive the best possible service, we tailor our products to specific requirements and work with customers to meet varied and evolving needs as their businesses grow.
The Hong Kong Branch seeks to differentiate itself from other banks currently operating in Hong Kong through excellence in customer service, with a focus on establishing strong relationships with all our customers. The strong links that the Branch has with China, UK, Africa and Europe ensure that we have an in-depth knowledge of the marketplace and are able to assist customers with their transactions.
About The Author
