Business
FirstBank’s Giant Strides in FinTech Leadership
By Eric Elezuo
It is not by accident that Nigeria’a leading financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, scaled all hurdles to hit the peak among players in Fintech network.
Fintech, a portmanteau or what can easily be referred to as abbreviation of finance and technology, forming the phrase financial technology, is the technology and innovation that aims to compete with traditional financial methods in the delivery of financial services.
While to most financial institutions, the process is emerging, to FirstBank, it is an already established and improved variety that has helped customers conduct banking activities without making physical contact with the bank or bank staff, but leveraging on the use of handheld mobile smartphones, and regular phones as in the case of *894# services. By this means, the bank has provided mobile banking, investing, borrowing among many other financial technologies aimed at making financial services more accessible to the general public.
Fintech is an integral part of FirstBank, and both are interrelated and are more like twelve and a dozen. In the words of the Group’s Executive, e-Business and Retail Products, Chuma Ezirim, FirstBank is a technology company offering financial services. Nothing could be farer than this truth!
FirstBank, without a doubt, the foremost player and leader of Fintech via its various electronic and digital offerings, boasts of the following but not limited technological innovations including the ever reliable *894#, highly prolific Firstmobile, FirstOnline, Whatsapp banking which thrives on the simple mobile number, 08124444000, FirstAdvance details among a host of other ‘first’ innovations and services.
Consequently, the bank has picked awards after awards with the FirstMobile App, among which is the Best Mobile Banking App in Nigeria in 2019 by the UK-based Global Business Outlook.
These services, have in no small measure, become the focal point, using alternative channels and electronic banking, especially as the world battles the ‘new normal’ with the principle of safe distance, thus reducing the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
To this end, the Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, during the just concluded edition four of the FinTech Summit, which reiterated activation of vibrant ecosystem, hinted that FirstBank’s involvement in the FinTech revolution is the fastest in the industry, and is mostly run by a sizable number of entrepreneurs. He mentioned that FirstBank has been positioned as the Fintech partner of choice, having established relationships with notable companies such as PiggyVest, Terragon, VoguePay and PatStack.
“FirstBank has become the foremost financial inclusion solutions provider with over 9 million USSD users, processing over 200 million transactions to date. Also, with more than 60,000 Firstmonie Agent Banking locations we have to date processed over 320 million customer transactions worth over NGN6 Trillion on the FirstMonie Agent Network as at July 2020, further cementing our leadership in the Agency Banking space,” Adeduntan said.
He noted that the bank’s rating has soared with its digital payment channels, and has remained in the forefront of providing financial inclusion solutions across board and round the clock with it’s FirstMobile app, USSD (*894#) and FirstMonie, as well as the popular Firstmonie Agent Banking Network.
It is not therefore, out of place to say that the Bank has led other banks in the field of FinTech, having supported Nigerians to meet their needs through these innovative digital platforms. Not only that, families and companies have paid bills through this channel, individuals and corporate bodies have purchased airtime to keep in touch with families, loved ones and staff just as procurement of data to surf the net and stay current with recent trends across the globe have been made absolutely easy through the FirstBank innovative FinTech channels.
While most establishments mourn the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, FirstBank leveraged on the scourge to become innovative in providing services for the benefit of its customers who found a costless outlet to fulfill all their financial inclusion needs. The era in question provided ready canvas for stretching and exploits, and the over 9 million USSD users are the happier for it. This is a bank that processes 90 customer initiated transactions per second on its digital channels, and has not stopped to assiduously re-architect its systems towards innovating newer FinTech channels for its teeming customers for a stress-free banking activity.
With over 9.5 million customers using the FirstBanks Unstructured Supplementary Service Data within a period of five years, the Bank has clearly demonstrated that it is the leader in electronic banking. The USSD banking services it provides have been proved to be easy to use, convenient, fast, user friendly, and as such several and various banking activities have been carried out therein across the four major GSM network operators in Nigeria through mobile phone, and surprisingly, without the use of internet. It therefore means that FirstBank’s (*894#) services can be obtained irrespective of the type of phone a customer uses. Among services available through this channel are data and airtime top-up for self and third party, quick balance enquiry, fund transfers, BVN enquiry and linkage, mini statement, account number enquiry, opening account, merchant and first advance loan service – this a service that enables salary earners take a loan of up 50% of their monthly salary. That is the power of *894#.
Ezirim sums up this leadership roles as follows:
“At FirstBank, we are excited about the impact our innovative solutions are making in the Nigerian payment landscape. Our *894# USSD banking has been a viable platform through which we take our banking services to the doorstep of our customers, right on the palm of their hands, without the limitation of an internet connection. We remain committed to creating various avenues to enable Nigerians carry out various financial activities conveniently, safely and securely anytime, anywhere in Nigeria.”
In addition, and following through the standard of excellence, FirstBank has also upgraded its mobile banking application, FirstMobile, with new and improved features to promote safe and convenient mobile banking experience for customers.
The award winning application, which has been termed dynamic, has been redesigned with improved security and self-service features to ease the navigation capability and proficiency of customers. In addition to the improvement of the services, which offers unified and streamlined banking experience, the aesthetics are not left out as it comes with a unique cool blue coloured appealing background.
Among features that speak of the uniqueness of FirstMobile app are card protection service for customers to enable and disable cards on channels, account switch off as well as second-factor authentication and device registration. Customers can remotely initiate the request for a new debit card as well as the replacement of a lost or damaged one, whilst managing activities on their card and account, thus balance enquiry and statement, amongst others.
Again, the app is embedded with biometrics, which allow customers to use their fingerprints to consummate all transactions. This is strictly to validate transactions. There are others such as frequent transaction, which enables users to access their frequently completed transactions like airtime, transfers and bill payments; dashboard flexibility and personalisation, smoother transaction experience and improved beneficiary management.
The FirstBank accessibility galore has also improved airtime top-up and data purchase as customers are able to select phone numbers directly from their phone contacts.
In addition, with a smoother experience on funds transfer, bill payments and airtime transactions, customers can add and delete beneficiaries without having to repeatedly enter the recipients’ details over and over again. Users can also take a photo or select from the Avatar (available icons) to personalize their dashboard and beneficiaries for Transfers, Bills Payment & Airtime Transactions by uploading a picture to associate with their beneficiary, especially the more frequent ones.
Furthermore, the dashboard has been designed to reflect the lifestyle and social pattern of the user as it can be customized by adding any profile picture of choice. The dashboard also enables users to monitor their spending patterns over a period. It shows the inflow and outflow of funds on their account.
There are endless possibilities with FirstMobile. It covers and puts the customer at an advantage with the FirstAdvance and Nano Loan features. So accessing loans is quicker than the touch of a button. Not only that, FirstMobile also guarantees access to movie ticket(s) ahead of time and flights at the earliest convenience.
Hear Chuma Ezirim again:
“The upgraded FirstMobile is built to reflect FirstBank’s resolve at reinforcing the digitisation of our payment systems, whilst putting our customers at an edge to conveniently meet their everyday needs at any time, irrespective of where they are. Indeed, this upgrade makes the application new, as it is designed to suit the social pattern and lifestyle of our customers.
“With over 3.7million active users on FirstMobile across android and ios devices, we remain steadfast at regularly reinventing our services on the App with dynamic and innovative capabilities to resonate our focus to deliver state of the art digital solutions to all our customers at all times, irrespective of where they are.”
It would be recalled that halfway into the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Nigerians with FirstBank cards used them 105 million times to make payments or withdrawals worth about N1.18 Trillion as they relied on the Bank to settle their banking needs.
In addition, the Bank’s CEO noted that approximately 12.6 million withdrawals to the tune of N156 billion were carried out across FirstBank’s ATMs nationwide. That explains the height of faith customers have in FirstBank.
“Our customers made transfers over 106 million times with a total value of about N8.18 Trillion across our digital channels. We have also recorded over 275,000 new sign-ups to alternative channels covering our Firstmobile, USSD and First-Online platforms,” Adeduntan informed.
From every indication, FirstBank has, and will continue to embrace emerging FinTech opportunity for the sole benefit of its numerous customers. To this end, it has held four editions of FinTech Summit. It is therefore, necessary that as many that are yet to get on board do so now for a hitch-free banking services from anywhere in the country.
The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria has maintained the benchmark interest rate at 27 per cent, extending its pause on monetary tightening.
The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, announced the decision on Tuesday at the end of the committee’s 303rd meeting in Abuja.
Cardoso said, “The Committee decided by a majority vote to maintain the monetary policy stance,” indicating that members were not yet convinced that current economic conditions warranted another reduction.
The move follows the 50-basis-point cut implemented in September 2025, the only rate reduction since the tightening cycle began under the current CBN leadership.
It also marks the fourth consecutive hold this year.
The MPC had raised rates six times in 2024 amid surging inflation and currency pressures.
The Punch
Access Bank Plc, Nigeria’s largest retail bank, is set to unveil DettyFusion, an innovative all-in-one digital platform designed to help Nigerians at home and in the diaspora seamlessly discover, plan, and enjoy entertainment events during the upcoming Christmas and New Year festive season.
Billed as the first-of-its-kind entertainment aggregator in the country, DettyFusion will serve as a centralized hub where users can explore event calendars, purchase tickets, access exclusive discounts, participate in curated festive experiences, and make safe, seamless payments throughout the holiday period.
Speaking on the forthcoming launch, Access Bank’s Head of Mobility, Ishmael Nwokocha, said the platform was inspired by the bank’s commitment to enhancing customer experience during the highly anticipated Detty December season.
“Every December, Nigerians look forward to moments that bring joy, connection, and unforgettable experiences. The launch of DettyFusion will create a single gateway that makes it easier, safer, and more convenient for customers to enjoy the thrills of Detty December,” Nwokocha stated.
He added that the platform reflects Access Bank’s drive to deliver innovative lifestyle solutions that extend beyond traditional banking services. “DettyFusion brings together key features that meet the needs of today’s digitally active and experience-driven audience,” he said.
With this initiative, Access Bank continues to reinforce its position as a leading lifestyle enabler, supporting Nigeria’s creative sector while empowering customers to enjoy top-tier entertainment during the festive season.
With DettyFusion, Detty December just got smarter, more convenient, and even more rewarding.
Across Africa, women are fast becoming the heartbeat of economic transformation. From bustling open-air markets to high-tech boardrooms, women-led enterprises are redefining what is possible for the continent’s future.
Whether as market traders expanding their reach through digital platforms, tech founders scaling innovations across borders, or artisans turning local crafts into global brands, women’s contributions are now central to Africa’s economic resurgence.
Even as they break new ground, many still face formidable barriers. Access to finance, mentorship, business education, and supportive networks remains limited. Structural issues such as weak property rights, gender bias, and inadequate legal protections often hinder women from securing loans or expanding their businesses.
Consequently, many women-owned ventures remain small, informal, and vulnerable to economic shocks.
Recognising both the promise and the obstacles, Access Bank has positioned itself at the forefront of empowering women across the continent. Recently named Africa’s Best Financier for Female Entrepreneurs by the EMEA Finance Awards, the Bank has earned global recognition for its commitment to inclusion, innovation, and sustainable impact.
At the centre of this effort is the W Initiative, one of Africa’s most comprehensive women-focused banking programmes. Unlike conventional banking, it combines finance with mentorship, training, and community support, acknowledging that true empowerment requires more than access to capital. The initiative meets women wherever they are on their entrepreneurial journey, from start-ups to growing enterprises and corporate leadership.
The W Power Loan offers affordable credit with flexible terms, enabling women to invest in expansion, inventory, or technology. The W Academy provides leadership and business training on financial literacy, marketing, and regulatory compliance, while the W Community connects women to peers, mentors, and role models across industries.
Importantly, these offerings extend beyond urban centres. From microloans sustaining traders in rural markets to leadership programmes developing female executives in multinational firms, Access Bank’s approach is deliberately inclusive. By partnering NGOs, business associations, and government agencies, it reaches women in underserved communities, ensuring participation in Africa’s economic rise.
The results are evident. Thousands of women have accessed credit, training, and networks through the Bank’s initiatives, enabling them to launch and scale businesses, create jobs, and uplift their communities. The ripple effects are far-reaching: increased household income, improved family wellbeing, and greater economic resilience. Women who once faced daunting barriers now serve as role models and change-makers, inspiring others to follow their path.
Studies show that when women thrive, societies prosper. The World Bank and African Development Bank note that empowering women fuels GDP growth, improves health outcomes, and enhances social stability. By directly addressing structural gaps in access to finance and information, Access Bank helps to unlock this transformative potential.
Apart from supporting entrepreneurs, Access Bank promotes gender inclusion within its own organisation. Its leadership pipeline identifies and advances talented women, while mentorship and wellness programmes help female professionals thrive. The Bank also uses public platforms, from conferences to policy dialogues, to share success stories and advocate for gender diversity across sectors.
The EMEA Finance recognition thus goes beyond trophies and titles; it affirms that profitability and purpose can coexist. For Access Bank, supporting women’s advancement is smart economics. By embedding inclusion into its DNA, the Bank is shaping a financial ecosystem that views women as equal partners in progress.
Access Bank’s influence also extends into advocacy. Through forums, roundtables, and research collaborations, the Bank engages policymakers, civil society, and business leaders to identify and dismantle barriers facing women entrepreneurs. Its campaigns amplify women’s voices, spotlighting their achievements and driving conversations around inclusive growth.
