A little over one year after it was granted a commercial banking license with regional authorization by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the shape of the Providus Bank brand is gradually emerging.
The bank consolidated itself in April with the inauguration of its ultramodern headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos and according to the Managing Director, Walter Akpani, was established with a vision to build an enduring and sustainable customer-focused financial institution.
Akpani promised that the bank would focus on service excellence, cost savings, speed, transparency and innovation.
Furthermore, Akpani disclosed that the lender will leverage technology to beat the competition, saying the vision of the bank is to be the number one in service delivery. “We want to be a niche player and our nimble size will enhance cost-saving,” he added.
With a clear vision to “building an enduring and sustainable customer-focused financial institution, with a mission to provide customers with a unique experience, be their preferred financial partner and nurture the attainment of their objectives”, Providus Bank boasts of being an innovative financial institution that offers customised business solutions and advanced products that will not only answer customers’ business and personal needs today but also steer them into the future. Little wonder, then, that the bank has chosen as its pay-off line: “Future Forward Banking”.
According to the fledgeling bank, “Our tailored financial services delivery includes Business Advisory, Portfolio Management, Personalised Relationship Management, Fast-tracked Service delivery and self-service solutions”.
Giving additional insight into its portfolio, the bank states that it also provides a competitive advantage in Private, Institutional, Business and Personal Banking, driven by the philosophy to create support and value for Institutions, Agencies, SMEs and HNIs.
“Our business development strategy also focuses on developing expertise and collaborating to improve the non-oil (emerging) sector of the Nigerian economy, which includes, but not limited to Agriculture, Mining, Hospitality, E-commerce, and Art & Entertainment.”
“At Providus Bank, we believe that the New World of Fast, Smart, Personal and Borderless banking relationship is here. We are therefore inspired by our Future Forward Banking ethos to make life (at work and leisure) more exciting for our partners with the use of cutting-edge technology that delivers best-in-class customer satisfaction.”
Worthy of note is the fact that the bank has, since inception, been warming its way into the hearts and pockets or vaults of its target with a campaign message that speaks for itself.
In its words, “At ProvidusBank we are all about using innovative product advancements to create a better banking experience. This, along with personalized service and a tailored delivery, allows us to put our customers and their businesses at the heart of everything we do”.
Piloting the affairs of the bank are well-honed and experienced individuals on its board, with Alhaji Hussaini Dikko as Chairman. He is a graduate of Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a master’s degree holder in Business Administration from the University of Lagos. He is a Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and the institute’s president in the year 2000.
Walter Akpani who leads the Executive Management of Providus Bank is a seasoned banker with over two decades of experience. He holds a Master of Science degree in Finance from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. His career trajectory has been through Natwest Bank UK, ICON Merchant Bank/ICON Stockbrokers, Commercial Trust Bank, Standard Trust Bank Plc and Platinum Bank Limited.
Walter has been actively involved in bank start-ups in Nigeria. He was a pioneer staff member with ICON Stockbrokers, a restructuring team member at Commercial Trust Bank, pioneer staff at Standard Trust Bank Plc now United Bank for Africa, UBA and pioneer staff at Platinum Bank Ltd.
He is a distinguished Treasurer in the Nigerian banking industry, having led the Treasury departments of ICON Stockbrokers and Commercial Trust Bank.
He also served as Group Head, Financial Institutions department in Standard Trust Bank and Group Head, Investment Banking at Platinum Bank Limited.
Walter disengaged from Platinum Bank Ltd, as Vice President, Institutional Banking, to start United Mortgage Bank Limited.
A change agent with very strong interpersonal skills and industry depth, Walter Akpani is well respected within and outside the industry and has been able to build up an effective network of contacts and associates in most strategic sectors of the Nigerian economy.
