Zenith Bank Opens New Paris Branch, Strengthening Global Banking Network

Zenith Bank Plc has expanded its global presence with the opening of its Paris branch, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s global growth strategy.

The official commissioning, which took place on November 27, 2024, at 21 Rue de la Paix, Paris, was performed by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.

The opening of the Paris branch is part of the bank’s broad strategy to extend its footprints across major global financial centers.

According to the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, the Paris branch will serve as a global financial hub for strengthening trade, accelerating trade flows, and facilitating connectivity between Europe and Africa.

The Paris branch will provide a wide range of services, including corporate banking, trade finance, and treasury services to individuals and corporate clients in France and the wider European market.

The branch will also leverage the bank’s strong global network and expertise to provide tailored solutions to its clients.

The opening of the Paris branch follows the granting of final approval by France’s banking regulator, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), in September 2024.

Earlier in November 2023, Zenith Bank strengthened ties with France by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French Government to establish a subsidiary in France.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Governor, Kwara State & Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Governor, Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-olu; Governor, Ogun State, Adedapo Abiodun; Governor, Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Chairman, BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu;

Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Chief Executive Officer/Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi and Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Nonye Ayeni.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, congratulated Zenith Bank on its milestone achievement, stating that the presence of Zenith Bank in Paris can only help to engender trust of the French business community.

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, also congratulated the bank, expressing his optimism for the strategic initiative.

The Chairman, France-Nigeria Business Council (FNBC), Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, welcomed Zenith Bank to Paris, stating that the bank’s expansion into France is a very strategic move.

Director General of the Treasury, France, Bertrand Dumont, commented that the opening of Zenith Bank in Paris is a crucial asset for doing business between France and Nigeria.

With the opening of its Paris branch, Zenith Bank has further solidified its position as a leading financial institution in Africa, with a growing global presence.

The bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional financial solutions and fostering economic growth across the globe is evident in its strategic expansion into the European market.