Access Holdings remains Nigeria’s biggest bank by total assets in Q1 2026
By Aboki Forex —
Access Holdings Plc has held on to its position as Nigeria’s largest bank by total assets in the first quarter of 2026. The bank, led by Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Roosevelt Ogbonna, reported total assets of N53.43 trillion.
Top banks see asset growth driven by forex gains
Data from bank financial statements and NGX filings show a sustained rise in total assets for the top 10 listed banks. The increase is partly due to gains from foreign exchange revaluation. Total assets include loans to customers, cash holdings, investments and other financial resources.
United Bank for Africa Plc came second with N33.13 trillion in total assets. Its pan-African operations continue to drive growth. Group CEO Oliver Alawuba leads the bank.
Zenith Bank ranked third with N32.01 trillion. CEO Adaora Umeoji runs the bank, which is known for strong corporate banking and disciplined risk management.
FirstHoldCo Plc, led by Olusegun Alebiosu, placed fourth with N26.87 trillion in total assets. Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) was fifth with N18.75 trillion. CEO Segun Agbaje has driven growth through digital platforms and cost efficiency.
Fidelity Bank, under Group CEO Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, reported N11.35 trillion in total assets. Growth came from corporate, retail and SME banking.
Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, led by Group CEO Wole Adeniyi, posted N9.70 trillion. Wealth management and pension administration are key contributors.
FCMB Group, with CEO Ladi Balogun, recorded N7.54 trillion as of December 2025. Growth in retail banking, SMEs and digital services drove the increase.
Wema Bank had N5.23 trillion in assets. CEO Moruf Oseni leads the bank, which has strengthened retail banking through its ALAT digital platform.
Sterling Bank, led by CEO Abubakar Suleiman, came tenth with N4.07 trillion in total assets.
CBN says banking sector remains stable
The Central Bank of Nigeria maintains that the banking sector is stable and well-capitalised despite ongoing macroeconomic pressures. A recent CBN report showed that at least 28 banks in Nigeria are not authorised to operate internationally under the regulator’s licensing framework.