For many Nigerians, the true value of a bank becomes apparent in ordinary moments, such as when a salary arrives or a business payment needs to go through. These everyday experiences shape how customers judge their banks, often more than the figures published in annual financial reports. For Globus Bank Limited, the opportunity lies in making these interactions simpler and more dependable for the people it serves.
Globus Bank was incorporated on March 6, 2019, received its licence from the Central Bank of Nigeria on July 10 of that year and commenced operations on November 6, 2019. Since then, it has built its services around individuals and businesses navigating an increasingly digital economy. Customers now expect to do more from their phones and to have support when something goes wrong.
Under the leadership of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Elias Igbinakenzua, a former executive director at Zenith Bank and Access Bank, Globus Bank operates across digital and physical channels. Its Globus Mobile app allows customers to open an account in about two minutes, and its *989# USSD code makes banking possible without a data connection. Its network of about 50 branches and 104 ATMs offers an alternative for those who prefer face-to-face assistance.
Digital banking allows people to manage their finances around work and family commitments. For traders and small business owners, that convenience matters when time away from daily operations affects productivity. Convenience is only half of the picture, though. Customers also need confidence that their money and personal information are protected. They want clear information about charges and prompt help when transfers fail or unfamiliar activity appears on their accounts.
This is where the human side of banking remains important. Technology keeps services available around the clock, but customers may still need someone to explain a problem or help resolve an issue that cannot be handled automatically. A good banking experience is one in which the customer knows where to turn when something does not work as expected.
The bank’s recent results suggest that approach is paying off. For the 2025 financial year, Globus Bank reported a profit before tax of ₦107.7 billion and a profit after tax of ₦82.6 billion, more than double the previous year, while total assets grew by 64 per cent to ₦2.58 trillion. Fitch Ratings, which assigned the bank its first international rating with a stable outlook, noted that it reported no impaired loans in 2025. Igbinakenzua has linked this record to careful choices about who the bank lends to. Globus also raised its paid-up capital above ₦200 billion, meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s minimum for national commercial banks ahead of the March 2026 deadline.
Small and medium-sized enterprises deserve particular attention. Many operate with limited administrative support and must keep close track of the money coming in and going out. Delays in payments can affect their ability to meet obligations, so the tools they use must be reliable and suited to their needs. Fitch noted that corporate customers supply 80 per cent of the bank’s deposits, which shows how much of Globus Bank’s business already rests on this segment.
The same principle applies to younger customers, who expect straightforward account access and intuitive mobile interfaces. They also need to understand the responsibilities that come with managing money, including protecting their account details and recognising potential fraud. Igbinakenzua has said that many young Nigerians now name Globus Bank as their preferred bank, which makes helping them use digital services safely a practical responsibility.
For Globus Bank, the next opportunity is to keep making its services more responsive to the people who rely on them. Customers do not all bank in the same way, and a successful relationship extends beyond opening an account. The bank plans to open at least ten more branches before the end of 2026.
Banking is built on trust earned through repeated interactions. Every successful transaction and well-handled complaint contributes to a customer’s view of the institution. As Globus Bank continues to develop its services, Igbinakenzua and his team will find that keeping those everyday experiences in focus is central to building lasting relationships with individuals and businesses across Nigeria.
Samuel Agboola is a member of the editorial team of TheScript Newspaper
