The Access Bank UK Limited proudly announces the official launch of its first fully owned subsidiary in Malta, The Access Bank Malta Limited.

This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in strengthening Europe-Africa trade flows. Malta, a globally recognised financial hub and a key gateway between the two continents, is uniquely positioned to foster economic partnerships and advance international commerce.

By establishing operations in Malta, The Access Bank UK Limited capitalises on growing trade opportunities between Europe and Africa. This move underscores the Access Group's commitment to facilitating global trade, driving financial integration, and supporting businesses across these regions.

Members of The Access Bank Malta Limited's local team pose for a photo, marking a memorable moment at the launch event at Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar.

At the official opening ceremony, Honourable Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Minister for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, remarked: "I am delighted to celebrate the opening of The Access Bank Malta Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of The Access Bank UK Limited and part of the renowned Access Bank Group. This milestone strengthens trade relations between Europe and Africa, and we proudly welcome The Access Bank Malta Limited to Malta's financial community. Its presence aligns perfectly with our country's strategic role as a bridge for business between these two continents. This moment also reflects the aspirations of Malta Vision 2050, which aims to position Malta as a hub for financial services, digital innovation, and sustainable economic growth through global collaboration and forward-thinking investment."

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Jamie Simmonds, and Renald Theuma (from left to right) stand together at Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar during the launch of The Access Bank Malta Limited, celebrating a key moment in the bank's expansion. 

Jamie Simmonds, Founding Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of The Access Bank UK Limited, highlighted the importance of this expansion: "Europe and Africa are key trading partners, with Europe accounting for approximately 30% of Africa's total trade. As Europe-Africa economic relations enter a new phase, The Access Bank Malta Limited is ideally positioned to deepen trade ties and meet the financing and banking needs of businesses operating across these regions."

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, and CEO of the Banking Group further emphasised the Group's vision: "Expanding our presence to Malta strengthens our position in a key financial hub that connects European and North African markets, bringing us closer to our vision of becoming Africa's Gateway to the World. This strategic move enhances our ability to provide clients with innovative, tailored solutions that facilitate cross-border trade and investment."

Renald Theuma, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Access Bank Malta Limited, added: "The launch of The Access Bank Malta Limited is a crucial step in our Group's expansion strategy. Our goal is to facilitate seamless cross-border trade between Europe and Africa, leveraging Malta's unique position as a financial hub. We are committed to delivering high-quality banking services that support businesses in these dynamic markets, helping them navigate the complexities of international trade."

The Access Bank Malta Limited will focus on international trade finance, employing approximately 30 people in its initial phase, with plans for controlled expansion over time.

About Access Bank Plc

Access Bank Plc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, is a leading commercial bank operating through a network of over 700 branches and service outlets across 3 continents and 60+ million customers.

Access Bank Plc employs 28,000 people in its operations in Nigeria, Africa, the United Kingdom (with Branches in Dubai, Paris and Hong Kong), and the representative offices in China, Lebanon and India. Access Bank Plc is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise and proven risk management and capital management capabilities. The Bank serves its various markets through three business segments: Corporate and Investment, Retail and Commercial.

Access Bank Plc has enjoyed what is arguably Africa's most successful banking growth trajectory in the last twenty-two years. Following its merger with Diamond Bank in March 2019, Access Bank Plc became one of Africa's largest retail banks by retail customer base.

In honour of its defining roles across the African continent, Access Bank Plc has been accorded recognition by reputable domestic and global organisations. Some of these recognitions include: 2024 Middle East & Africa Retail Banking Innovation Awards (The Digital Banker) "Consumer Finance Product of the Year", 2024 Middle East & Africa Retail Banking Innovation Awards (The Digital Banker) "Best Mobile Banking Initiative - Africa", 2024 Euromoney Awards "Best Bank for ESG", 2024 Euromoney Awards "Best Bank in the Gambia", 2024 Euromoney Awards "Nigeria's Best Bank 2024".

About The Access Bank UK Limited

The Access Bank UK Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Bank Plc, offers Trade Finance, Commercial Banking, Private Banking, and Asset Management services. The Bank facilitates customer engagement with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) markets while supporting businesses investing and trading across Africa, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Europe, and Asia.

Authorised by the UK's Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by both the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the PRA, the Bank operates globally. Its Dubai branch, located in the iconic Gate Building at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The Paris branch is supervised by the French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR), while the Hong Kong branch, situated in the Central District of Hong Kong Island, is regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).

The Bank's latest addition, The Access Bank Malta Limited, is its first fully owned subsidiary. Located in Sliema, it is licensed and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

Aligned with the vision of its parent company, Access Bank Plc, The Access Bank UK Limited is committed to sustainable growth. This commitment is evident in its prudent approach to risk management, superior customer service, and long-term relationship building. The Bank plays a critical role in advancing the Group's aspiration to become 'the world's most respected African bank.'

About The Access Bank Malta Limited

The Access Bank Malta Limited offers a broad range of products and services to assist with trade and corporate needs in Africa and Europe. The Branch is situated in Sliema and is licensed and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

The Access Bank Malta Limited 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. As the UK Parent, the Malta team believe in building long term relationships with customers so that they receive the best possible service and tailor their products to specific requirements and work with customers to meet varied and evolving needs as their businesses grow.

The Access Bank Malta Limited seeks to differentiate itself from other banks currently operating in Malta through excellence in customer service, with a focus on establishing strong relationships with all our customers. The strong links that the Bank has with Africa and Europe ensure that it has an in-depth knowledge of the marketplace and is able to assist customers with their transactions.

For more information: https://www.theaccessbankukltd.co.uk/the-access-bank-malta-limited/