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Ecobank Nigeria History

History

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), a public limited liability company, was established as a bank holding company in 1985 under a private sector initiative spearheaded by the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry with the support of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In the early 1980’s foreign and state-owned banks dominated the banking industry in West Africa. Commercial banks in West Africa owned and managed by the African private sector were a rarity. Its founders created ETI with the objective of filling this vacuum.

The Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce promoted and initiated a project to create a private, regional banking institution in West Africa. In 1984, Ecopromotions S.A. was incorporated. Its founding shareholders raised seed capital for feasibility studies and the promotional activities leading to the creation of ETI.

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In October 1985, ETI was incorporated with authorised capital of US$100 million. The initial paid up capital of US$32 million was raised from over 1,500 individuals and institutions from West African countries. The largest shareholder was the ECOWAS Fund for Cooperation, Compensation and Development (ECOWAS Fund), the development finance arm of ECOWAS.

Ecobank signed a Headquarters’ Agreement with the Government of Togo in 1985, which granted it the status of an international organisation. This status came with the rights and privileges necessary for ETI to operate as a regional institution, including the status of a non-resident financial institution. ETI commenced operations with its first subsidiary in Togo in March 1988.

Mission & Vision

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The dual objective of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated is to consolidate a modern pan-African bank and to contribute to the economic development and financial integration of the continent.

Ecobank offers a natural advantage with its unmatched pan-African banking competencies, built up over the last 25 years. Marshalling its impressively broad presence, its proficiency and its performance, the bank is intent on delivering sustainable returns and playing a catalytic role in the transformation of Africa. It continues to play a pivotal role as a recognised pioneer in financial integration and inclusive banking.

Ethics and transparency

The Ecobank Group has codified policies on corporate ethics, which apply to directors and employees across the group. These policies are regularly reviewed to ensure that they are in line with international practice and standards.

Code of conduct for directors

Subject to any applicable local laws and regulations, this Code of Conduct shall apply to all Group and subsidiary board and board committee members.

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