Access Bank UK, the wholly owned subsidiary of Access Bank has received approval to commence operations in Hong Kong, indicating a significant milestone towards realising its five-year strategic plan.

The approval, granted by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, stands as a testament to Access Group’s international capabilities and strategic partnerships.

Read also: Access Bank plans to launch in Asia in first quarter of 2024

Furthermore, Access Bank’s commitment to a global presence and adherence to the highest regulatory standards is underscored by the decade-long effort to secure the license for operations in the sophisticated and tightly regulated market of Hong Kong.

Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings Plc and Chairman, Access UK, expressed his excitement and pride in achieving this long-awaited goal, stating, “I am immensely proud that Access UK has secured approval to commence formal banking operations in Hong Kong, marking a monumental achievement in our journey towards global prominence. This license is a testament to our unwavering commitment, strategic foresight, and resilience over the past decade. Across the Access Group, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

“Hong Kong serves as a strategic cornerstone in our mission to be the world’s most respected African bank and we are ready to bring innovative, customer-centric financial solutions to the Asian market. We look forward to the opportunities and challenges that come with expanding our footprint in this dynamic international arena.”

With plans to commence operations in the coming year, this achievement reflects Access Group’s international capabilities and the strength of its strategic partnerships, scaled through the growing strength of its international operations through Access Bank UK with regulated operations in the UAE, and Paris.

Read also: Access Bank secures $60m facility from UK investment institute

The establishment of Access in the Hong Kong market holds immense strategic potential for boosting cross-continental trade. Hong Kong, renowned for its status as a global financial hub, serves as a pivotal gateway connecting Asia with the rest of the world. Access Bank’s presence in this sophisticated market positions it strategically to facilitate and enhance cross-border trade between Africa and Asia. With its commitment to providing innovative financial solutions,.

Hope Moses-Ashike is an Associate Editor, Banking and Finance, with more than a decade of experience reporting on Nigeria’s financial system and broader economy. She closely tracks market movements, monetary policy decisions, company disclosures, regulatory actions, economic indicators, and global developments, and interprets what they mean for businesses, investors, policymakers, and households. Her reporting helps readers understand complex issues such as inflation trends, foreign exchange market dynamics, interest rate decisions, bank performance, and investment risks. She also covers major international events and periodically travels to Washington, D.C., to report on the World Bank/IMF Spring and Annual Meetings. Her dedication to financial journalism has earned her multiple recognitions and invitations to high-level professional development programmes. She is an alumna of the International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) in the United States and holds an Advanced Financial Journalism Certificate from the Press Association Training in London, UK. Her other notable achievements include completing the Lagos Business School CMC Programme, the Bloomberg Media Africa Initiative Programme, and a Master Class in Journalism at Rhodes University in South Africa.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date

Open In Whatsapp