Access Holdings, on Thursday, announced that its subsidiary, Access Bank United Kingdom (UK), has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Afrasia Bank Limited, the fourth-largest in Mauritius by assets.
Gatekeepers News reports that Mauritius presents a strategic advantage, as its financial sector plays a vital role in the national economy, contributing 13.4 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to Olakunle Aderinokun, the Head of Media Relations at Access Holdings.
This acquisition is expected to provide Access UK with a strong foundation to enhance its personal and corporate banking operations.
“Furthermore, Access Bank will utilize Mauritius as a strategic hub for trade finance and regional connectivity, thereby enhancing its capacity to facilitate cross-border transactions across Africa and beyond,” Aderinokun said.
“The transaction represents a transformational step forward for Access UK and the overall Access Holdings’ banking franchise.
“At the end of its fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, Afrasia Bank recorded Total Assets of more than US$5.7 billion and Net Profit After Tax of US$152.4 million.”
Roosevelt Ogbonna, chief executive officer (CEO) of Access Bank, said Mauritius offers immense potential as an international financial hub.
“This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in our African growth strategy, reinforcing our position as a leading Pan-African financial institution,” he said.
“Mauritius offers immense potential as an international financial hub, and through Afrasia Bank, we are excited to unlock new opportunities to drive trade, support businesses, and foster economic inclusion across the region as we continue our mission to be the World’s Most Respected African Bank.”
On his part, Jamie Simmonds, managing director of Access Bank UK, said Afrasia Bank offers the financial institution a sustainable platform for long-term profitability due to its strong balance sheet and reputable brand in Mauritius.
Simmonds said the deal aligns with the bank’s strategy to diversify and future-proof its earnings while enabling clients to access global markets easily.
