We are delighted to announce VDM Attorneys’ new partnership with Access Bank, a dynamic pan-African financial institution with a bold expansion strategy - especially in the South African market.
Who Is Access Bank?
Founded in Nigeria in 1989, Access Bank Plc has evolved into one of Africa’s largest and most influential banks. Since merging with Diamond Bank in 2019, it has become the continent’s largest by customer base, serving over 60 million customers across a network of more than 700 branches in 24+ countries . With operations spanning Africa, the UK, the UAE, and focused representative offices in Asia and the Middle East, Access Bank is driven by a mission to become “the world’s most respected African bank”.
Making Waves in South Africa
From Grobank to Access Bank SA
Access Bank entered South Africa in 2021 through a controlling acquisition of Grobank - formerly Bank of Athens - which gave it a strong foundation in SME and agri-business banking. This rebranded entity officially launched as Access Bank South Africa in June 2021 and quickly began offering comprehensive retail, corporate, and trade banking services.
Strategic Expansion: Branches, Forex, and Community Support
By 2023, Access Bank South Africa had made notable strides—it had opened six branches across five provinces, launched a forex trading platform, and invested R1.42 billion into the South African economy. The bank has also earned recognition for its business banking solutions and launched initiatives like the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton, empowering women entrepreneurs through funding and education.
Next Step: Acquiring Bidvest Bank
In December 2024, Access Bank agreed to acquire 100% of Bidvest Bank, a respected and profitable niche player in South Africa focused on foreign exchange, vehicle financing, and corporate banking. With total assets of approximately USD 665 million and a profit before tax of USD 20 million as of June 2024, Bidvest brings both depth and local expertise.
Once regulatory approvals are secured - expected by the second half of 2025 - Bidvest Bank will be merged with Access Bank South Africa, forming a significantly more robust regional platform to serve SADC markets, support intra- and inter-Africa trade, and offer innovative digital, SME, and trade finance solutions.
What This Means for Our Clients
- Enhanced Banking Solutions: Expect deeper capabilities in trade finance, corporate and retail lending, and digital platforms—backed by both local expertise and pan-African strength.
- Broader Market Reach: The combined network will enable seamless cross-border support, especially across the SADC region.
- Stronger Economic Partnership: Access Bank’s continued investments and empowerment initiatives signal long-term commitment to local growth and transformation.
Use an experienced attorney
VDM Attorneys is proud to partner with Access Bank, aligning ourselves with an institution that reflects our own values of innovation, growth, and shared prosperity across Southern Africa.
VDM Attorneys is a qualified law firm with over 35 years’ experience in conveyancing, litigation and compliance. Whether you are selling property, buying property or assisting a property transfer, VDM Incorporated can provide you with expert legal guidance and service.