FirstBank Group, with a balance sheet exceeding 32 trillion naira (approximately US$20 billion), has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding financial services and investment opportunities for Gambian businesses and high-net-worth individuals, as it strengthens cross-border banking ties between The Gambia, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The commitment was highlighted at an exclusive corporate banking dinner hosted by FirstBank Gambia in collaboration with FirstBank UK on Tuesday at the African Princess Hotel in Kotu, bringing together corporate clients, business leaders and distinguished guests.
The event focused on investment opportunities, international trade financing, wealth management and strategies for preserving assets amid economic uncertainty.
Speaking at the gathering, Gbenga Ajibola, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Gambia, thanked the Gambian and Asian communities, corporate partners and customers for their continued support.
“Without you, we cannot do business. Tonight, you represent the 1% of the 1%, and we are honoured to have you here,” he said, highlighting the importance of strong relationships between the bank and its clients.
FirstBank Group has operations in Nigeria, The Gambia, Guinea, Ghana and the United Kingdom, where it has maintained a presence for more than four decades.
The collaboration with FirstBank UK is intended to bring international banking expertise and financial services closer to Gambian customers without requiring them to travel abroad to access certain services.
Olalekan Adelekan, Executive Director of Business Development at FirstBank UK, described the Banjul event as an important milestone in strengthening financial and business ties between The Gambia and the United Kingdom.
He said FirstBank UK, the first international subsidiary of the 133-year-old FirstBank of Nigeria, was committed to supporting FirstBank Gambia by making international financial services more accessible to local businesses and individuals.
“You don’t have to go all the way to the UK. We’re happy to come here and bring those financial services to your doorstep,” Adelekan said.
He said access to London’s financial markets could create opportunities for Gambian businesses seeking to expand their operations, finance imports and exports, and connect with international investors.
The event also examined the importance of wealth management in an increasingly complex financial environment.
Idowu Thompson, Group Executive for Private Banking and Wealth Management, said the bank’s role extended beyond offering financial products to helping clients build, protect and transfer wealth across generations.
Thompson said FirstBank’s private banking division, established in 2011, operated across multiple jurisdictions and was expanding into Senegal.
He explained that the dinner was designed to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration while helping clients understand how to safeguard their assets and plan for succession.
He also warned that inflation, currency depreciation and changing tax regulations presented challenges for individuals and businesses managing wealth across borders.
Thompson urged clients to understand international compliance requirements, including the Common Reporting Standard, as cross-border financial transactions and investments become more complex.
The discussions highlighted opportunities in investment, trade finance and wealth management, particularly for Gambian businesses seeking to strengthen international commercial relationships.
The dinner also provided a platform for networking and exchanging ideas among corporate leaders and investors.
FirstBank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting customers across Africa and international markets, with the collaboration aimed at connecting Gambian businesses and individuals to broader financial opportunities.
