Keystone Bank Recognized as Leader in MSME Finance
Keystone Bank Limited has been acknowledged as the top bank in the field of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) finance. This recognition was made during a ceremony held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Lagos. The event celebrated the bank’s achievements by awarding it the title of MSME Finance Bank of the Year. Additionally, the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hassan Imam, was honored as CEO of the Year.
The ceremony took place under the Africa Global Economic Forum and was organized in collaboration with Proshare and the Office of the Vice President on MSMEs and Job Creation, Federal Republic of Nigeria. The organizers highlighted that Keystone Bank and Mr. Imam were chosen for their significant contributions to the development and sustainability of Nigeria’s MSME sector. Their efforts were recognized through innovative financial solutions, inclusive banking practices, and strong support for entrepreneurship and job creation throughout the country.
During the event, Mr. Imam received the awards on behalf of the bank. He expressed his appreciation to the organizers and dedicated the recognition to the entire team at Keystone Bank. He described the honor as a reflection of the bank’s shared vision and commitment to excellence.
Mr. Imam stated, “These awards are a reflection of our collective dedication to building a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem for entrepreneurs. At Keystone Bank, we believe that empowering MSMEs is critical to unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential. Our focus has always been on providing practical financial tools, advisory services, and digital platforms that help small businesses thrive.”
He further emphasized that the bank will continue to develop tailored financial products and value-added services aimed at strengthening the backbone of the Nigerian economy, particularly its small and medium enterprises. “Our mission is to enable every entrepreneur, no matter their size or location, to access the financial support and opportunities they need to grow and succeed,” he added.
The event brought together leading figures and key stakeholders from across Nigeria’s MSME and financial ecosystem. It served as a platform to celebrate excellence, innovation, and impact within the sector.
Several senior executives from Keystone Bank attended the ceremony, including:
- Abubakar Usman Bello, Executive Director, North and Public Sector
- Helen Maiyegun, Directorate Head, Lagos and West
- Ntomchukwu Emmanuel, Directorate Head, Lagos Mainland
- Olayemi Sule, Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking