Zenith Bank has hit ₦5 trillion market cap and become Nigeria’s Most Valuable Lender.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as the first Nigerian lender to surpass the ₦5 trillion market capitalisation mark, reinforcing its position as the country’s most valuable banking group.
The milestone follows a sustained rally in the bank’s shares, driven by strong financial performance and growing investor confidence ahead of its planned listing on the London Stock Exchange by 2027.
Data from the Nigerian Exchange Limited show that Zenith’s shares rose to ₦124 midweek, pushing its market capitalisation to ₦5.09 trillion. The bank has since extended gains to ₦5.22 trillion, with its share price climbing to ₦127.
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The achievement places Zenith ahead of Guaranty Trust Holding Company, which has a market value of ₦4.75 trillion, while Stanbic IBTC Holdings maintains the highest banking stock price at ₦169.7 per share.
Strong Earnings Drive Growth
Investor optimism has been supported by Zenith Bank’s robust financial results. The lender recently reported a profit after tax of ₦1.04 trillion, maintaining its status as Nigeria’s most profitable bank.
Key performance indicators showed strong growth, with net interest income rising by 53 percent to ₦2.64 trillion. Customer deposits also increased to ₦24.33 trillion, while loans and advances grew to ₦10.45 trillion, reflecting sustained credit expansion.
London Listing to Boost Global Reach
Market sentiment has further strengthened on the back of Zenith’s plan to list on the London Stock Exchange, a move expected to enhance access to global capital and boost cross-border banking operations.
The strategy aligns with a broader trend among African financial institutions seeking international listings to support expansion. In 2025, Guaranty Trust Holding Company listed on the LSE, raising over $100 million.
Zenith Bank already has a presence in the international market through its Global Depository Receipts listed in London, and is now expanding its footprint with a new UK branch in Manchester focused on corporate banking, trade finance, and treasury services.
Group Managing Director and CEO, Adaora Umeoji, said the expansion aligns with the bank’s long-term strategy to strengthen its global presence and deepen trade links between Africa and Europe.
The latest milestone underscores Zenith Bank’s growing influence in Nigeria’s financial sector and its ambition to compete on the global stage.
