Access Bank Sierra Leone has been named Best Bank in Sierra Leone at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, marking the Bank’s first Euromoney recognition in the market and underscoring its growing impact on the country’s financial services sector.
The award serves as an independent endorsement of the Bank’s achievements in customer experience, digital banking, financial inclusion, and support for businesses across Sierra Leone.
The recognition comes as Access Bank Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its position as a trusted financial partner to individuals, businesses, and institutions. Following the successful integration of Standard Chartered Bank Sierra Leone, the Bank has expanded its capabilities, enhanced access to banking services, and accelerated investments in innovative solutions designed to make banking simpler, more convenient, and more relevant to customer needs.
Over the past year, Access Bank Sierra Leone has continued to empower small and medium-sized enterprises through strategic partnerships, including its collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), while providing trade finance solutions that enable businesses to access new markets and strengthen supply chains.
The Bank has also expanded financial access through impactful initiatives such as its fee-collection partnership with the University of Sierra Leone, which facilitated secure and seamless payments for more than 5,500 students, and the opening of its solar-powered Rokel Village Branch, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable banking and community development.
Commenting on the recognition, Ganiyu Sanni, Managing Director of Access Bank Sierra Leone, said:
“Being recognised as Sierra Leone’s Best Bank is a proud moment for us. More importantly, it is an achievement we share with our customers, employees, and partners whose trust and support have made this possible. We remain committed to earning that trust every day by expanding access to financial services, supporting businesses to grow, and delivering innovative solutions that contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s economic development and prosperity.”
The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are widely regarded as one of the banking industry’s most respected benchmarks, recognising financial institutions for outstanding performance, innovation, leadership, and market impact.
For Access Bank Sierra Leone, this award represents both a milestone and a motivation to keep raising the bar. The Bank will continue to connect people and businesses to opportunities, deepen financial inclusion, and create sustainable value for customers, communities, and the wider economy.
Media Contact
Louisa Amina Cline-Thomas
Head, Corporate Communications
Access Bank Sierra Leone
Email: Louisa.Cline-Thomas@accessbankplc.com
About Access Bank Sierra Leone
Access Bank (SL) Limited, a subsidiary of Access Bank Plc, is a full-service commercial bank operating through a network of nine branches across Sierra Leone’s major commercial centres, including Freetown, Bo, Lungi, Makeni, and Kenema. The Bank serves customers across four key business segments: Personal Banking, Business Banking, Commercial Banking, and Corporate & Investment Banking.
Since commencing operations in November 2007, the Bank has remained committed to providing innovative financial solutions while positioning itself as a leading player in Sierra Leone’s banking industry and an employer of choice for talented professionals.
In 2024, Access Bank (SL) Limited completed the acquisition and integration of Standard Chartered Bank Sierra Leone, significantly strengthening its market position, expanding its customer base, and enhancing its capacity to deliver world-class banking services across the country.
As part of its long-term growth strategy, the Bank continues to embed sustainable business practices across its operations, driving economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially impactful. Access Bank Sierra Leone is ISO-certified and PCI DSS-certified, reflecting its commitment to international best practices, operational excellence, and the security of customer information.
For more information, visit: https://sierraleone.accessbankplc.com
About Access Bank PLC
Access Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning 3 continents, 25 countries, and over 60 million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in Africa, Asia and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and the UAE.
Access Bank’s parent company, Access Holdings Plc, has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998. The Bank is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management capabilities.
The Bank services its various markets through three key business segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking. The Bank has enjoyed what is arguably Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 20 years, becoming one of the continent’s largest retail banks. As part of its continued growth strategy,
Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams.
For more information, visit: www.accessbankplc.com.
