Access Holdings Plc has retained its position as Nigeria’s biggest bank by total assets in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from banks’ financial statements and filings on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
The figures highlight the continued growth of the country’s leading financial institutions.
The ranking is as follows:
- Access Holdings – N53.43 trillion
Access Holdings, led by Group MD/CEO Roosevelt Ogbonna, maintained its position as Nigeria’s largest bank by assets.
The group’s dominance has been driven by its extensive retail banking network, strong corporate banking relationships, and aggressive expansion across several African countries.
- United Bank for Africa (UBA) – N33.13 trillion
UBA came second with total assets of N33.13 trillion. Under the leadership of Oliver Alawuba, the bank has continued to benefit from its vast pan-African presence, with operations across multiple countries contributing significantly to its balance sheet growth.
- Zenith Bank – N32.01 trillion
Zenith Bank ranked third with assets worth N32.01 trillion. Led by Adaora Umeoji, the bank is widely recognised for its strong corporate banking business, disciplined risk management strategy, profitability, and consistent returns to shareholders.
- FirstHoldCo – N26.87 trillion
FirstHoldCo secured fourth position with total assets valued at N26.87 trillion. The group remains one of the largest and most established financial institutions in Nigeria.
- GTCO – N18.75 trillion
Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), headed by Segun Agbaje, occupied fifth place. The institution has recorded significant growth through its digital banking platforms, retail banking strength, and efficient cost management approach.
- Fidelity Bank – N11.35 trillion
Fidelity Bank placed sixth with assets of N11.35 trillion. The lender has strengthened its position through expansion in corporate banking, retail banking, and SME financing, while also improving profitability and investor confidence.
- Stanbic IBTC Holdings – N9.70 trillion
Stanbic IBTC recorded assets worth N9.70 trillion. The group’s performance has been supported by its strong wealth management business, pension administration services, and corporate banking operations.
- FCMB Group – N7.54 trillion
FCMB posted total assets of N7.54 trillion. Growth in retail banking, SME financing, digital services, and investment banking activities has contributed to its expanding asset base.
- Wema Bank – N5.23 trillion
Wema Bank reported assets of N5.23 trillion. The lender has strengthened its retail banking operations through its digital platform, ALAT, which continues to attract younger and tech-savvy customers.
- Sterling Bank – N4.07 trillion
Sterling Bank rounded off the top 10 with total assets of N4.07 trillion. The bank has continued to grow its presence across key segments of Nigeria’s financial services industry.
The latest ranking underscores the increasing scale of Nigeria’s banking sector, with the country’s top lenders recording substantial growth in assets amid ongoing expansion and digital transformation efforts.
