Access Bank has been recognised as the "Best Trade Partner Bank West Africa 2024" by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) presented at the Global Trade Partners Meeting (GTPM) held recently in Barcelona, Spain.
The prestigious award highlights Access Bank's outstanding performance and commitment to fostering trade finance across the continent.
The GTPM, organised by IFC, is one of the most significant events in the global trade finance industry and is known for its unique footprint due to IFC's extensive reach and client base in emerging markets.
The 2024 event marked the 20th anniversary of IFC's Global Trade Finance Programme and attracted a record number of delegates, featuring prominent speakers and panellists who provided valuable insights into the global trade landscape.
Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, said, "We are honoured to receive this award from IFC, which is a testament to our relentless efforts in leveraging our extensive network across Africa to scale trade opportunities between the continent and the rest of the world. Access Bank remains committed to facilitating trade that drives economic growth and prosperity for our stakeholders and the regions we serve."
Representing Access Bank at the GTPM were Sunmbo Olatunji, Group Head, Treasury; Tosin Olatunji, Group Head, Corporate Operations; Seun Olufeko, Group Head, Project and Structured Finance, Corporate and Investment Banking Division (CIBD); Oluchukwu Kalu, Team Member, PSF, CIBD; and Rowly Isioro, Head, Trade and Global Transaction Banking (Africa). Isioro also participated in a panel discussion titled: "IFC: 20 Years in Trade, Partnerships and Perspectives".
Speaking on the panel, Isioro addressed the importance of building resilient trade finance systems in emerging markets and how the Global Trade Finance Programme had evolved over the years like IFC providing guarantees for letters of credit to accommodate other trade instruments like promissory notes and green trade or climate-friendly transactions.
"Africa is ripe for partnerships that can drive substantial economic growth," Isioro said.
