Access Bank Sierra Leone has been named “Best Bank in Sierra Leone 2026” at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, marking the Bank’s first-ever Euromoney recognition in the Sierra Leonean market in a briefing on 4th August 2026.
The award represents an independent recognition of Access Bank Sierra Leone’s outstanding performance in customer experience, digital banking innovation, financial inclusion, and its continued support for businesses and institutions across the country.
The recognition comes at a time when Access Bank Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its position as a trusted financial partner for individuals, businesses, and institutions. Following the successful acquisition and integration of Standard Chartered Bank Sierra Leone, the Bank has expanded its capabilities, increased access to financial services, and accelerated investments in innovative solutions aimed at making banking easier, more convenient, and more responsive to customers’ evolving needs.
Over the past year, Access Bank Sierra Leone has remained committed to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through strategic partnerships, including its collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The Bank has also continued to provide trade finance solutions that enable businesses to access new markets, strengthen supply chains, and contribute to economic growth.
The Bank has further advanced financial inclusion through initiatives such as its fee-collection partnership with the University of Sierra Leone, which provided secure and seamless payment solutions for more than 5,500 students. In addition, the opening of its solar-powered Rokel Village Branch highlights Access Bank’s commitment to sustainable banking practices, community development, and environmentally responsible operations.
Commenting on the achievement, Ganiyu Sanni, Managing Director of Access Bank Sierra Leone, said:
“Being recognized as Sierra Leone’s Best Bank is a proud moment for us. More importantly, this achievement belongs to our customers, employees, and partners whose trust and support have made it 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 among the most respected recognitions in the global banking industry, celebrating financial institutions that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, leadership, and market impact.
For Access Bank Sierra Leone, this award represents a significant milestone and a renewed commitment to delivering excellence. The Bank will continue to connect individuals and businesses to opportunities, deepen financial inclusion, and create sustainable value for customers, communities, and the wider economy.
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 provides financial services across four key business segments: Personal Banking, Business Banking, Commercial Banking, and Corporate & Investment Banking.
Since commencing operations in November 2007, Access Bank Sierra Leone has remained committed to delivering innovative financial solutions while positioning itself as a leading institution within Sierra Leone’s banking sector and an employer of choice for talented professionals.
In 2024, Access Bank (SL) Limited successfully completed the acquisition and integration of Standard Chartered Bank Sierra Leone, significantly strengthening its market presence, expanding its customer base, and enhancing its capacity to provide world-class banking services across the country.
As part of its long-term growth strategy, the Bank continues to promote sustainable business practices that support profitable growth, environmental responsibility, and positive social impact. Access Bank Sierra Leone is ISO-certified and PCI DSS-certified, demonstrating its commitment to international standards, operational excellence, and the protection of customer information.
About Access Bank Plc
Access Bank Plc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating across Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Bank serves more than 60 million customers through a network of over 700 branches and service outlets in 25 countries, supported by a workforce of more than 28,000 employees.
With representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and the United Arab Emirates, Access Bank combines a strong retail banking franchise and digital capabilities with deep expertise in corporate banking, risk management, and capital management.
The Bank operates through three major business segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking. Over the past two decades, Access Bank has experienced significant growth, becoming one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing retail banks.
As part of its continued expansion strategy, Access Bank remains focused on embedding sustainable business practices across its operations. The Bank is committed to promoting economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially impactful, while helping customers achieve their financial goals.