For the 16th consecutive year, Zenith Bank has its retains position as the number one bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 capital in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks’ Ranking, published by The Banker, a publication of Financial Times Group, UK.
In the global rankings, published in the July 2025 edition of The Banker, based on the 2024 year-end Tier-1 capital of banks, the Nigerian lender was placed 581, with a Tier-1 capital of $2 billion.
Tier-1 capital describes capital adequacy, the core measure of a bank’s financial strength from a regulator’s perspective.
According to the ranking, Tier-1 capital, as defined by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) guidelines, includes loss-absorbing capital, i.e., common stock, disclosed reserves, retained earnings, and minority interests in the equity of subsidiaries that are less than wholly owned.
A strong Tier-1 capital ratio boosts investor and depositor confidence, indicating the banking institution is well-capitalised and financially stable.
Based on its audited financial statements for 2024 full year, Zenith Bank recorded a double-digit growth of 86 per cent in gross earnings, increasing to N3.97 trillion from N2.13 trillion in 2023, driven by a 138 per cent rise in interest income, supported by investment in high-yield government securities, and growth in the Bank’s loan book.
The company’s profit before tax (PBT) was up by 67 per cent to N1.3 trillion from N796 billion in 2023, influencing the payment of N195.67 billion at N5.00 per share to investors.
Commenting on the latest ranking, the chief executive of Zenith Bank, Ms Adaora Umeoji, thanked the chairman of the firm, Mr Jim Ovia, for his visionary and transformative leadership which has played a pivotal role in cultivating a resilient and thriving institution.
She also lauded the bank’s customers for their continued loyalty to the Zenith brand, and the board for the sound corporate governance, as well as the staff for their relentless and tireless efforts in ensuring the bank’s success.
“We are thrilled to have retained our position yet again as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 capital for the 16th consecutive year.
“This achievement is a reflection of the bank’s robust financial performance, prudent risk management and steadfast dedication to delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders,” she enthused.