By John Joseph
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In a significant milestone, Zenith Bank has officially opened its Paris branch, marking a major expansion of its global footprint. The branch was commissioned by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, in the presence of dignitaries, including Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
The opening of the Paris branch is a testament to Zenith Bank’s commitment to expanding its global presence and facilitating trade flows between Europe and Africa. The 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.
In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, thanked the Founder & Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, for his inspiration and vision in setting up an award-winning and record-breaking brand. She highlighted the rationale for the bank’s strategic move to Paris, citing the city’s importance as a global financial hub.
According to her, “The opening of this Paris branch is part of the broad strategy of the Bank to extend its footprints across the major global financial centres and our efforts at following our customers’ businesses. Paris branch opening underpins the need to serve our customers and bolster trade and finance relationship between our customers in France and other countries.”
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, congratulated Zenith Bank on this milestone achievement, stating that the presence of the bank in Paris will 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 this strategic initiative. He said, “I really want to congratulate Zenith Bank for achieving this feat by opening a branch here in Paris. I can guarantee you, without the likes of Zenith Bank and other Nigerian banks, we as a group, wouldn’t have been where we are today because there is no country that can grow without a very strong banking sector.”
The Chairman, France-Nigeria Business Council (FNBC), Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, welcomed Zenith Bank to Paris, stating that the bank’s presence will facilitate trade flows between Europe and Africa.
The opening of Zenith Bank, Paris follows the granting of the final approval by France’s banking regulator, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), in September 2024, allowing the branch to commence operations.
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