Access Bank

  • Sector: Financial Services
  • Reach: International
  • Board Gender Diversity:  12; 6
  • CSR/sustainability reporting: Yes
  • Impact management: Sustainability desk

Access Bank is a multinational bank on the path towards achieving sustainable development in the banking sector. With a total asset base of $18 billion (7 trillion nairas) and over 30, 000 employees, Access Bank has the vision to be the “world’s most respected African bank”. The bank has remained abreast with sustainability innovation and continues to improve on its core business, environmental footprint and positively impacting on the social wellbeing of the communities the bank works in.

The bank operates through a network of more than 600 branches and service outlets, spanning three continents, 12 countries and 36 million customers. Access Bank serves its various markets through four business segments: Retail, Business, Commercial and Corporate. The bank reports that sustainability is not only good for the environment and for humanity but that ethical, environmental and other sustainable practices can enhance the financial performance of a company.

Access Bank has over the years made continuous efforts in mainstreaming sustainability in the Nigerian financial sector. The bank’s sustainability strategy is firmly aligned with its core business strategy. The bank has a head of sustainability who coordinates sustainability efforts and ensures that it works in line with the aspirations of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The bank gives almost 2% of its revenue towards its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, which include women empowerment, education, health, arts etc. The bank has at the top of its corporate agenda the quest to improve its environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) performance. Part of the ways by which it facilitates this is by executing various initiatives in the three ESG focus areas.

CSR Focus Areas
Environmental Management
Community Development
Women Empowerment
Sports
Financial Inclusion
Health
Capacity Building
Education

2020 Highlights

The bank has continued to reduce its carbon footprint from operations, thus the number of Access Bank branches powered by alternative or renewable energy sources have risen to 58 as at 2019. The bank now has 605 solar-powered ATM machines.  A paper to pencil initiative fosters proper management of brand paper that emerged as a result of the merger with Diamond Bank. The bank also issued the first climate bonds initiative certified green bond in Africa and applies the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP) to its credit process

The bank supports businesses in the local communities where it operates through various projects, organisations, and events focused on making a positive difference in these communities. Example of these initiatives include the Lunch Out Campaign and Project L.E.A.D which are both education focused and are situated in host communities.   The banks employees spent 67,867 hours of their time as well as their talents and resources, to support various causes and projects that brought progress to different communities.

Access Bank’s highest decision-making body is its board of directors, which has the final say concerning matters within the Group, excluding matters designated for its general stakeholder’s meeting. The Board focuses on matters related to strategy, policies, corporate culture, and organisational structure. It also approves and monitors the risk framework and appetite of the Group.

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