Our History
UBA has more than seven decades of providing uninterrupted banking operations, dating back to 1949 when the British and French Bank Limited (BFB) commenced business in Nigeria.
Our humble beginnings
1949, UBA has been serving the households, businesses and communities of Africa. We’re happy to have spent over 75 years of providing the best services to our customers.
2008 - 2011
UBA successfully raises N20 billion debt capital and acquires majority interest in banks in Burkina Faso and the Republic of Benin.
Operations in other African countries; Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Congo DR, Gabon, Guinea, Senegal, Tanzania and Zambia commence. Within this period (2009), the Paris office opens.
2005
UBA merges with Standard Trust Bank and also acquires Continental Trust Bank.
2004
Standard Trust Bank commences operations in Ghana.
1998
UBA becomes the first Nigerian bank to issue Global Depository Receipts.
1997
Standard Trust Bank commences operations.
1984
UBA establishes its New York branch.
1970
UBA becomes the first Nigerian bank to make an Initial Public Offering.
UBA’s London business becomes a subsidiary.
1961
UBA is incorporated as a Limited Liability Company, taking over the assets and liabilities of British & French Bank.
1949
British & French Bank (BFB) commences business in Nigeria with its first office in Lagos.
2023
Launches the Braille Account Opening Form.
UBA and AfCFTA sign $6B SME finance agreement.
UBA wins Financial Times’ Bankers Award for Best Bank in Africa.
2022
UBA commences business operations in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
2021
The Bank is again awarded the Prestigious ‘African Bank of the Year by The Banker Magazine. UBA also wins Best Bank in 13 of its African subsidiaries.
UBA receives its operating licence for the United Arab .
2019
Celebrates a milestone achievement of 70 years of banking operations.
Named Africa’s Bank of the Year by “The Banker”.
2018
Establishes subsidiary in Mali.
Launches the first Artificial Intelligence Virtual Banking Bot, Leo on Facebook.
Named Africa’s Best Digital Bank by Euromoney.
UBA Capital Limited receives its wholesome banking licence to commence full banking operations in the UK as UBA UK Limited.
2017
UBA successfully raises $500 million through a 5-year senior unsecured Eurobond and achieves Premium listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchang
2014 -2015
UBA Chad and Senegal are awarded Bank of the Year by the Banker Magazine. UBA also wins the Africa Investor Social Infrastructure Deal of the Year award.
2013
Successfully divests from its non-bank subsidiaries and property management business.
2012
UBA wins Financial Times’ Bankers Award for the overall Bank in Africa, Best Bank in Cameroon and Best Bank in Senegal.
2007
Successfully raises fresh equity capital.
UBA Capital (Europe) London opens.
Video section
The History and Evolution
The History and Evolution of United Bank for Africa – Narrated by Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu.
The Visual Journey
We celebrate our great milestone and our commitment to changing the African narrative.