PremiumTrust Bank, Nigeria’s fastest-growing financial institution, has recorded a remarkable upward growth in 2026. This has reinforced its reputation as a pacesetter in the modern banking space. The bank seeks to achieve a seamless blend of physical branch access and cutting-edge digital infrastructure.
Impressively, PremiumTrust bank surpassed the N200 billion minimum capital requirement set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), well ahead of the March 2026 deadline. Through this bold step, the bank has solidified its financial stability and its capacity to lead the industry in retail and consumer banking.
PremiumTrust Bank was founded in 2022 by Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, CON, FCIB. He is a distinguished banker with an illustrious career, including senior executive leadership roles at Sterling Bank. The vision is to become the “Bank of First Preference”. To do this, the bank seeks to bridge the gaps in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem through technology-driven solutions and an unwavering commitment to service excellence.
Under the leadership of Dr. Emefienim, the bank has rapidly expanded its footprint across all of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. PremiumTrust bank started from a single branch in Port Harcourt to a national powerhouse with 30 branches. There is a strategic roadmap to reach 50 locations by the end of 2026.
At the heart of the bank’s success is a culture of deep customer-centricity. Dr. Emefienim has consistently championed a customer-first ethos. It ensures that every service is designed to solve the peculiar challenges of the Nigerian market; from Blayzz, the all-in-one mobile application to personalised business advisory.
The bank’s customer focus is further grounded in its core values of empathy, inclusivity, and national progress. This year, the bank demonstrated this commitment through its N50 million SME grant initiative. The program provided financial capital to 13 entrepreneurs selected via an unbiased process and equipped them with structured business training to ensure their long-term sustainability.
The achievements of 2026 build upon a history of consistent accolades. PremiumTrust bank has been recognised as Nigeria’s fastest growing bank of the year for three consecutive years (2023–2025) by the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
The bank has also received international salute from Finance Derivative, Netherlands as the fastest growing bank in Africa. These honors reflect the effectiveness of Dr. Emefienim’s leadership in fostering a culture of continuous learning, creativity, and adroitness among his team.
Furthermore, the bank’s impact is felt across communities through its robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. PremiumTrust bank financed life-saving medical interventions at the Massey Street Children’s Hospital in Lagos and featured as a lead sponsor of sports development in the Niger Delta.
The bank has consistently proven that it is as committed to social good as it is to financial performance. Whether it is through the zero-charge payments on the Blayzz app or the provision of high-yield savings products, PremiumTrust Bank remains dedicated to its mantra: Together for Growth.
As the 2026 fiscal year progresses, PremiumTrust Bank is well positioned to broaden its influence. With a stronger capital base and a clear vision to become the most preferred bank by 2028, the institution continues to set new benchmarks in service delivery.
Under the stewardship of its founder, the bank remains focused on delivering standard solutions that anticipate and meet the evolving needs of individuals, businesses, and corporate clients across Nigeria.
Samuel Agboola is a member of the editorial team of TheScript Newspapers
