Ecobank is now Nigeria’s largest publicly listed bank by total assets, after a 67% surge, dethroning Access Holdings in 2024

Key takeaways:

  • Ecobank Transnational Incorporated ranks first with total assets of ₦43.3 trillion, marking a 67% increase from 2023.
  • Access Holdings Plc ranked the second-largest bank in 2024, as against the first in 2023.
  • The combined assets of the top five banks amount to ₦171.6 trillion, a 55% increase from 2023.
  • These five institutions represent the largest players in Nigeria’s banking sector by total assets as of 2023 and 2024.
  • The increase in total assets of the top ten banks ranges from 34% to 67% year on year.
  • The assets of the top ten listed public banks rose by 54% in 2024.

As of 2024, Nigeria’s banking sector showcased impressive financial strength, with the top ten banks holding a combined total of over ₦212.78 trillion in assets as against ₦138.31 trillion in 2023.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated leads with ₦43.3 trillion in total assets, displacing Access Holdings with a margin of ₦1.8 trillion. Ecobank outpaced Access Holdings in total assets in 2024 due to strong growth in customer deposits, loans, and investments, along with its wide African presence and efficient operations.

Access Holdings Plc's assets stood at ₦41.5 trillion in 2024, with a year-on-year increase of 55%. This positioned Access Holdings as the second-largest bank in Nigeria in 2024.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Zenith Bank occupy the third and fourth spots with ₦30.3 trillion and ₦29.96 trillion, respectively, in total assets, while First Holdco Plc rounds out the top five list with ₦26.5 trillion.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, and Wema Bank Plc also made the top ten list, with year-on-year growth of 53%, 41%, 59%, 34%, and 60%, respectively.  In 2024, the top ten banks reported assets of at least ₦3.6 trillion each.

Source:

NGX

Period:

2024
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Kenya’s mobile banking fraud in 2024 exposed KES 981.7 billion, leading to losses of KES 810.7 billion
  • Kenya’s total fraud exposure in 2024 hit KES 2.0T, with KES 1.6T actually lost.
  • Mobile banking fraud was the largest contributor, with KES 981.7B exposed and KES 810.7B lost.
  • Mobile banking had an 82.6% loss rate, making it one of the riskiest fraud channels.
  • Computer fraud and internet scams recorded 100% loss rates, showing no funds were recovered.
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Kenya's local banks such as Equity Group (17% growth) recorded strong profit growth, while foreign-owned banks struggled
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  • KCB followed closely with $250M in profits, supported by 8% YoY growth.
  • I&M Group achieved the fastest growth rate of 36%, despite a smaller base of $63 million.
  • Standard Chartered’s profits fell by 21%, highlighting the struggles of foreign banks.
  • Stanbic Holdings also declined by 9%, contrasting with local banks’ upward trend.

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  • Mobile banking fraud cases jumped by 87.2% to 146, making it the most common fraud type.
  • Online banking fraud recorded the steepest rise, growing by 457.9% to 106 cases.
  • Identity theft increased by 51.4%, reaching 56 reported cases in 2024.
  • Internet scams increased by 28.6%, totalling 9 cases in 2024.

With 146 cases, mobile banking fraud resulted in the highest loss of KES 810.7B
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  • Mobile banking fraud, with 146 cases, was the biggest threat, causing KES 810.7B in losses.
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Titan Trust acquires Union Bank, keeping its name and century-old heritage
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