MD and CEO: Jamie Simmonds
“The Access Bank UK was founded to establish a credible, sustainable OECD hub for the Access Bank Group,” says Wigwe. “This was achieved with commendable efficiency, while also becoming a successful and profitable business on its own right.” Many high-net-worth customers who use the bank for trade finance and commercial banking also use its asset management and private banking for their UK personal financial interests. In 2018, the bank became a direct member of three key UK payment clearing systems: Bacs (Bankers’ Automated Clearing Services), C&CCC (Cheque and Credit Clearing Company’s Image Clearing System) and Faster Payments. The Access Bank UK managing director and CEO, Jamie Simmonds, said it was a landmark for the bank. “It enabled us to build a sustainable platform with direct entry into the UK payment clearing system,” he said. “We have a clear commitment to strong customer service and joining the UK payment clearing system is an example of our drive to meet the needs of our customers.” The Access Bank UK provides a number of services to support business activities around the world. It was awarded Confirming Bank status by the International Finance Corporation as part of the Global Trade Finance Programme, further strengthening its trade finance capabilities. The bank was the first Nigerian bank in the UK to be appointed as correspondent bank to the Central Bank of Nigeria, undertaking infrastructure work on behalf of the Nigerian government. It also issues Letters of Credit on behalf of the Nigerian government and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The commercial banking team offers relationshipbased service at competitive rates, and marketleading systems and service. “Our global private bank has been built around our passion for delivering excellent service,” 68
says Simmonds. “We take a proactive approach to product and service delivery.” The Access Bank UK’s Dubai branch offers products and services to the MENA region. The DIFC branch is committed to building on the approach that has proven so effective for The Access Bank UK. The bank provides support and development opportunities for its employees. It is led by a team of professionals determined to deliver superior financial solutions. “Our staff are CFI.co | Capital Finance International
highly experienced and many have spent time working in the Sub-Saharan, West African, and international marketplaces,” says Simmonds. “We are firmly committed to the diversity of our workforce. We encourage a sense of individual ownership while also fostering team spirit. “Our people are fundamental to our bank’s continued development.” The Access Bank UK was the first Nigerian bank to achieve Investors in People accreditation, and has advanced its status to Gold. “Consistently low