Ecobank retains Ghana’s Tier-1 bank top spot with $228m capital

By Newscenta On Apr 6, 2025

Ecobank Ghana has once again emerged as the country’s leading bank in terms of Tier-1 capital.
The Banker’s Top 100 African Banks for 2024 revealed that Ecobank closed the year with a Tier-1 capital of $228 million, solidifying its dominance in Ghana’s financial sector.
Access Bank Ghana secured second place with $216 million in Tier-1 capital, followed by GCB Bank with $212 million.
Standard Chartered Bank Ghana ranked fourth with $168 million in capital.

Strong showing on the African stage
On the continental scale, Ecobank Ghana was ranked 88th among Africa’s top 100 banks.
Absa Bank Ghana, GCB Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank Ghana also made the list, placing 92nd, 95th, and 100th respectively.
The report highlights the resilience of Ghanaian banks amid significant economic challenges, including persistent inflation, currency depreciation, and broader macroeconomic uncertainties.

Ghana’s banks show resilience amid headwinds
“Despite economic headwinds, the top four banks in Ghana by Tier-1 capital—GCB Bank, Ecobank Ghana, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana, and Absa Bank Ghana—have continued to show stability,” the report noted.
It attributed their performance to strategic financial management and the ability to adapt to volatile market conditions.
Ecobank Ghana’s focus on corporate and SME lending has helped sustain revenue growth despite the weakening cedi.

Digital and diversified strategies paying off
GCB Bank’s continued emphasis on digital transformation and a diversified portfolio has supported its financial stability, while Absa Bank Ghana has successfully maintained a strong capital base through prudent risk management and adaptive strategies.
Standard Chartered Bank Ghana also maintained its place in the top four, reflecting continued investor and customer confidence.

African banks battle currency pressures
Across the continent, the report shows mixed performance.
While profitability among Africa’s top 100 banks remains strong—with an average pre-tax profit of 18.2%—currency depreciation has eroded asset values for many.
According to the report, 52 banks recorded a drop in asset base, and 41 saw a decline in Tier-1 capital.
South African banks, which hold 40% of the continent’s banking assets, were particularly affected by economic stagnation and a weakening rand.

Outlook for 2025
The Banker’s report suggests that while challenges persist, institutions that continue to focus on innovation, efficiency, and sound capital management—like Ecobank Ghana and its peers—will be better positioned to thrive in the evolving financial landscape.