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Ikiodiete George
- 2 Min Read
Full List Of Cbn-Approved Commercial Banks In Nigeria (2025)
Banking in Nigeria is tightly regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which ensures only qualified, stable, and secure institutions are licensed to operate. Whether you’re opening a business account, applying for a loan, or managing personal finances, choosing a CBN-approved bank gives you peace of mind.
This post contains the complete 2025 list of all licensed commercial banks in Nigeria — including international, national, regional, non-interest (Islamic), and merchant banks, along with financial holding companies and foreign representative offices.
Categories of Commercial Banks in Nigeria
Before diving into the full list, here’s a quick breakdown of how commercial banks are categorized based on their license type:
| License Type | Coverage Area |
| International Banks | Operate globally, including Nigeria |
| National Banks | Serve customers across all 36 states |
| Regional Banks | Operate in specified geopolitical zones |
| Non-Interest Banks | Sharia-compliant (Islamic banking model) |
| Merchant Banks | Serve corporates, investors, and HNIs |
| Holding Companies (HoldCos) | Own and manage multiple financial subsidiaries |
| Foreign Rep Offices | International banks with a presence but no banking services |
International Commercial Banks in Nigeria
These are large banks with global licenses, capable of offering services beyond Nigerian borders:
| Bank Name |
| Access Bank PLC |
| Fidelity Bank PLC |
| First City Monument Bank PLC |
| First Bank of Nigeria Limited |
| Guaranty Trust Bank PLC |
| United Bank for Africa PLC |
| Zenith Bank PLC |
National Commercial Banks
These banks are authorized to operate across the entire country:
| Bank Name |
| Citibank Nigeria Limited |
| Ecobank Nigeria PLC |
| Heritage Bank PLC |
| Globus Bank Limited |
| Keystone Bank Limited |
| Polaris Bank PLC |
| Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC |
| Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria |
| Sterling Bank PLC |
| Titan Trust Bank Limited |
| Union Bank of Nigeria PLC |
| Unity Bank PLC |
| Wema Bank PLC |
| Premium Trust Bank Limited |
| Optimus Bank Limited |
Regional Commercial Banks
These banks operate within specific regions in Nigeria:
| Bank Name |
| Providus Bank Limited |
| Parallex Bank Limited |
| SunTrust Bank Nigeria Ltd |
| Signature Bank Limited |
Non-Interest (Islamic) Banks
For Nigerians who prefer Sharia-compliant banking, these are the fully licensed options:
| Bank Name |
| Jaiz Bank PLC |
| Taj Bank Limited |
| Lotus Bank Limited |
| The Alternative Bank |
Merchant Banks
Focused on business and investment banking, these banks do not serve retail customers directly:
| Bank Name |
| Coronation Merchant Bank Ltd |
| FBNQuest Merchant Bank Ltd |
| FSDH Merchant Bank Ltd |
| Greenwich Merchant Bank Ltd |
| Nova Merchant Bank Ltd |
| Rand Merchant Bank Ltd |
Financial Holding Companies
These are parent companies that oversee one or more commercial banks and other financial entities:
| Holding Company Name |
| Access Holdings PLC |
| FBN Holdings PLC |
| FCMB Group PLC |
| FSDH Holding Company Ltd |
| Guaranty Trust Holding Company |
| Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC |
| Sterling Financial Holdings Ltd |
Foreign Representative Office in Nigeria
These offices do not conduct retail banking but serve as liaison centers:
| Foreign Bank Office |
| Mauritius Commercial Bank (Rep Office Nigeria) |
Summary Table: CBN-Licensed Commercial Banks (2025)
| Category | Example Banks |
| International Banks | GTBank, Access, Zenith, UBA |
| National Banks | Wema, Union, Polaris, Stanbic, Standard Chartered |
| Regional Banks | Providus, Parallex, SunTrust |
| Non-Interest Banks | Jaiz, Taj, Lotus, Alternative Bank |
| Merchant Banks | FBNQuest, FSDH, Nova, Coronation |
| Financial Holding Companies | Access Holdings, GTCO, FBN Holdings |
Final Thoughts
Choosing a CBN-approved bank isn’t just about brand names — it’s about security, trust, and long-term financial stability. Whether you're a student saving for the future, a trader growing your business, or an investor exploring corporate solutions, there's a licensed bank for your needs in Nigeria.
Stay informed. Choose smart. Bank wisely.