Globus Bank drives growth with customer-centric innovation

Elias Igbinakenzua, CEO of Globus Bank, is steering the institution towards success with his compelling leadership and customer-centric approach. His vision is to revolutionize Nigeria’s banking landscape with innovative solutions and exceptional customer experiences. With a blend of strategic vision and people-centric leadership, he’s built a culture of transparency, accountability, and agility. Born just before COVID-19, Globus Bank has thrived, leveraging technology and agility to fast-track its IT strategy and build trust with customers. The bank’s phygital strategy blends physical presence with cutting-edge digital tech, offering personalized services and strategic partnerships. Under Igbinakenzua’s leadership, Globus Bank has expanded rapidly, onboarding top corporates like Dangote and Unilever, and securing over ₦200 billion in fresh capital. His expertise, honed at Zenith Bank and Access Bank, has driven growth. As Globus Bank sets its sights on global ambitions, Igbinakenzua’s leadership positions the institution as a leader in Nigerian banking, poised to unlock new frontiers. With a focus on customer needs, Globus Bank is revolutionizing the banking experience in Nigeria.

Our strategy is simple: be solution-oriented, provide value, and deliver speed; we solve problems others can’t, and we do it fast

Visionary Leadership: Igbinakenzua’s Winning Formula

Elias Igbinakenzua embodies a solid desire to lead, backed by his capability to influence and inspire his team members. His intense passion for success is evident in his ability to convince Globus Bank employees to adopt his decisions and strategies, driving the company towards its goals. This blend of leadership skills and persuasive power makes him a compelling force in the organization.

Igbinakenzua’s leadership style seems to be a mix of strategic vision and people-centric approach. He likely builds buy-in by understanding his team’s perspectives and aligning company goals with their strengths. His ability to convince others suggests strong communication skills and emotional intelligence.

The Power Trio: People, Tech, and Service

Globus Bank’s rapid rise to prominence wasn’t by chance – it was by design. The brainchild behind this success story is the bank’s crystal-clear corporate philosophy, crafted at its inception. Igbinakenzua, the mastermind, reveals that the bank’s mission was simple yet powerful: be the most preferred financial provider, delivering an unforgettable customer experience. This mission is built on three pillars: People (the heartbeat of the bank’s operations), Technology (the driving force behind innovation and efficiency), and Service (the ultimate differentiator in delivering value).

“We took the time to carve out our corporate philosophy and agreed it would represent what the bank stands for,” Igbinakenzua explains. The bank’s promise is to serve customers with passion, leveraging tech and people to deliver superior value to stakeholders.

Agility in Crisis: Globus Bank’s COVID Advantage

Globus Bank’s agility and problem-solving mindset, forged in the midst of crisis, set it apart. As a “child” born just before Covid 19 turned the world upside down, the bank is nimble and adaptive, leveraging technology to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional customer experiences.

To differentiate itself, Globus Bank has focused on understanding customers’ unique needs and providing personalized services. The bank’s digital-first approach and strategic partnerships has helped it compete with Tier-1 banks and fintechs.

Elias Igbinakenzua’s leadership is the heartbeat of Globus Bank’s customer-centric strategy. “Our arrival on the scene was perfectly timed… or perhaps, ill-timed,” he recalls with a grin. “Being ‘born’ just before COVID shaped us – we’re agile, adaptable, and problem-solvers at heart. We didn’t just weather the storm; we leveraged it to accelerate our IT strategy and build trust with customers.”

Customer-First, Crisis-Proof: Globus Bank’s Rapid Rise

Globus Bank’s customer-centric approach wasn’t just a strategy – it was a lifeline. By asking customers about their pain points, a solution was crafted. When COVID-19 hit, Globus didn’t flinch; they accelerated their IT strategy, fast-tracking plans they’d set 3-4 years ahead. “Customers saw us as a bank that stood firmly with them, and that earned us their trust,” reflecting a resilience that defines the bank.

That resilience and customer obsession paved the way for Globus Bank’s explosive growth. Within six months, they’d onboarded over 70% of Nigeria’s top 100 corporates, including heavy-hitters like Dangote, Nestle, and Unilever. The bank’s top management and board pedigree was a major factor, enabling swift decision-making and execution.

That customer-centric approach and resilience laid the foundation for an impressive start. By the end of 2019, its first year, the bank turned a profit and cleared losses within two months – a marginal but promising start.

Sustaining Momentum: The Globus Bank Formula

“The second year was when we hit our stride,” Igbinakenzua says. “We raked in N5.4 billion+ in profit, almost half of our initial capital. We focused on leveraging corporate relationships and grabbing low-hanging fruit – it was a winning formula.” By doubling down on strengths and playing to their advantages, Globus Bank set itself up for sustained growth

What’s the magic behind Globus Bank’s rapid progress? Strong governance, a hands-on board, and crystal-clear policies that every staff member can access. It’s all about creating a culture of transparency and accountability. But it’s more than just internal mechanics – relationships are key. “People who know us, trust us,” Igbinakenzua says. “Our strategy is simple: be solution-oriented, provide value, and deliver speed. We solve problems others can’t, and we do it fast. Customers notice when you go the extra mile. That’s what sets Globus apart”

Capital Boost: Globus Bank’s Strategic Leap Forward

Building on this trust, Globus Bank has just raised the bar, securing over ₦200 billion in fresh capital through rights issues and private placements. This beats the CBN’s requirement for national banks, positioning them for stronger lending, growth, and resilience in Nigeria’s banking landscape. Igbinakenzua confirmed the milestone: “The successful ₦200bn capital raise was a result of “deliberate planning, consistent performance, and the ability to sustain investors’ confidence”. He emphasized that the bank had its capital plans in place even before the CBN announced the new policy, stating, “We were prepared before the CBN’s directive”. The CBN’s policy only accelerated the bank’s timeline. The capital raise was executed in stages, with ₦53bn raised in 2024 and a final ₦102bn secured in 2025, bringing the total paid-up capital to over ₦200bn, pending final CBN verification.

Phygital Power: The Globus Bank Edge

Globus Bank is taking its services to the next level with its game-changing Phygital strategy, seamlessly blending physical presence with cutting-edge digital technology to deliver personalized and efficient banking solutions. This approach is particularly geared towards empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with tailored financial solutions, innovative products, and strategic partnerships that drive growth and success.

Under the pioneering leadership of Igbinakenzua, Globus Bank has transformed into a significant digital financial institution. With a 20-year career at Zenith Bank and Access Bank, including eight years as Executive Director, Igbinakenzua brought a wealth of expertise to Globus, driving its setup and rapid growth. His experience proved invaluable during the recent capital raise: “The goodwill from my previous banking experience is an advantage, as people who know me and the team at Globus are confident in our ability to deliver.”

Leadership Blueprint: Igbinakenzua’s Path to Banking Excellence

Having cut his teeth at two of Nigeria’s top banks, Igbinakenzua’s expertise has been a game-changer for Globus, bringing a level of sophistication and acumen that’s propelling the bank forward. His unique blend of experience, expertise, and passion for banking has created a winning formula, positioning Globus Bank for remarkable growth and success.

A Name with Global Ambitions

The name “Globus Bank” is more than just a label – it’s a declaration of intent. MD/CEO Elias Igbinakenzua reveals that the name was inspired by the Latin word “globus,” meaning global, reflecting the bank’s aspiration to become a global player.

“We wanted a brand that would go global,” Igbinakenzua says, highlighting the bank’s ambitious vision. This aligns with his broader perspective on Nigeria’s banking industry, where he believes efficiency, customer focus, and convenience are the keys to unlocking economic growth.

“Banking is moving beyond the conventional structure,” he predicts. “The future is about reaching customers anywhere, anytime, through their preferred channels. Only banks that grasp this shift and execute will dominate the industry. With Globus Bank’s Phygital strategy and digital prowess, we’re positioning ourselves to lead the charge”