Acquisition of 76% majority stake in AfrAsia Bank Limited, in Mauritius, strengthened its ability to facilitate trade and investment across southern Africa and beyond
2025 was a defining year for The Access Bank UK Limited, as the bank continued to build a stronger, more connected international platform designed to support trade, investment and long-term growth between Africa and the rest of the world.
As the international banking subsidiary of Access Bank Plc, the Access Bank UK Limited plays a central role in the Access Bank Group’s ambition to become the world’s most respected African bank. From its headquarters in London, the bank connects customers with markets across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, combining international expertise with deep knowledge of African markets.
The year was marked by a major strategic milestone: the acquisition of a 76% majority stake in AfrAsia Bank Limited, a leading banking institution in Mauritius. The transaction significantly expanded the bank’s international footprint, and strengthened its ability to facilitate trade and investment across southern Africa and beyond.
Mauritius also provides an important platform at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and international investment markets, further enhancing the Group’s global connectivity.
Commenting on the year’s achievements, Jamie Simmonds, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of The Access Bank UK Limited, told the International Finance, “2025 was a defining year in our transformation journey. The acquisition of AfrAsia Bank Limited has strengthened our international platform, and enhanced our ability to support customers across key trade and investment corridors. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on disciplined execution, strong governance, and maintaining the relationship-led approach that has built trust with our customers and partners around the world.”
“As part of our international growth strategy, the bank has established a presence in several key global financial centres, further expanding the Access Group’s footprint in alignment with its global ambitions.The Dubai branch, located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), and serves as a gateway connecting Africa with the Middle East and the North Africa region.” he said further.
The Paris branch, regulated by the Autorite de Controle Prudentiel et de Resolution (ACPR), strengthens access to Francophone African markets, and supports trade flows between Europe and Africa.
The Hong Kong branch, regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), facilitates trade corridors into China, and the wider Asian market.
The Malta subsidiary bank, regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and the European Central Bank (ECB), provides a strategic European platform, supporting connectivity between Europe and North Africa while strengthening the bank’s resilience following Brexit.
AfrAsia Bank Limited, regulated by the Bank of Mauritius, further extends the Group’s reach into southern Africa, and enhances its ability to support customers across the continent.
This growing international presence was matched by strong financial results. Despite challenging global conditions, The Access Bank UK Limited delivered profit before tax of USD 235.7 million in 2025, compared with USD 173.4 million in the previous year. Total assets reached USD 11.6 billion, reflecting the strength of the enlarged organisation, disciplined execution, and continued investment in sustainable growth.
The bank’s Strategic Business Units also continued to develop throughout the year. Trade Finance remained a cornerstone of its international proposition, supporting businesses, financial institutions, and trade flows across African markets.
The bank further strengthened its role as a trusted partner to financial institutions, with correspondent banking income from new African markets increasing significantly year-on-year.
Across its Strategic Business Units, the bank continued to build momentum. Trade Finance retained its position as the bank’s largest SBU, supporting businesses, financial institutions and cross-border activity across African markets. Commercial Banking maintained its relationship-led approach, with customer deposits increasing to USD 1.75 billion.
Asset Management also continued to grow, with assets under management reaching $602 million as customers sought diversified investment solutions in a changing environment.
Behind this growth is a continued investment in people and capability. Following the AfrAsia Bank Limited acquisition, the organisation grew to more than 830 colleagues globally, creating a truly international workforce connected by a shared purpose and ambition. The bank continues to prioritise employee development, well-being and progression through learning opportunities, professional qualifications, leadership development, and executive education.
This people-centred approach supports the bank’s strong governance culture, and its ability to deliver consistently for customers and stakeholders across jurisdictions. Across London, Dubai, Paris, Hong Kong, Malta and Mauritius, the bank operates within robust regulatory frameworks, with prudent risk management, and operational excellence remaining central to its strategy.
Looking ahead, The Access Bank UK Limited remains focused on seamless integration, disciplined growth and unlocking the full potential of its expanded platform. Africa continues to offer significant opportunities for trade, investment and financial connectivity, and the bank is well positioned to support this evolution over the long term.
Through international expertise, trusted relationships and a growing global network, The Access Bank UK Limited continues to build a stronger future where Africa and the world are more closely connected.
