Zenith Bank Plc has inaugurated its new branch in Paris, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. The official opening of Zenith Bank (UK), Paris Branch took place on November 27, 2024, at 21 Rue de la Paix, Paris, France. The event was officiated by Mr. Wale Edun, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
The Paris branch is a Third-Country Branch (TCB) of Zenith Bank (UK) Limited, a subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc. This move highlights the bank's commitment to expanding its services within Europe.
Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Governor Adedapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Governor Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu State; Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu of BUA Group; Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Honourable Minister of State for Finance; Aisha Rimi, CEO/Executive Secretary of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission; and Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director/CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council.
Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, expressed gratitude to Founder & Chairman Dr. Jim Ovia for his vision. She stated that "the opening of this Paris branch is part of the broad strategy of the Bank to extend its footprints across major global financial centres." She emphasized that this expansion would bolster trade relationships between France and other countries.
Mr. Wale Edun remarked on the significance of trust-building for Nigerian institutions globally: “I feel that one of the dividends...is this event today.” He highlighted how Zenith's presence could foster trust with the French business community.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote praised Zenith Bank's achievement: "I really want to congratulate Zenith Bank for achieving this feat by opening a branch here in Paris."
Bertrand Dumont from France's Treasury commented on the importance for business relations: "This is a crucial asset when it comes to doing business between our two countries."
Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede from France-Nigeria Business Council welcomed Zenith to Paris with pride: “Such intentional leadership...speaks to the nature of endeavor that we at the France-Nigeria Business Council are trying to drive.”
The establishment followed approval from France’s banking regulator ACPR in September 2024 and an MoU signed in November 2023 between Jim Ovia and French Minister Olivier Becht.
Zenith Bank's Paris branch aims to serve as a financial hub enhancing trade between Europe and Africa by offering corporate banking, trade finance, and treasury services while leveraging its global network.
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