First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s most valuable bank brand has reaffirmed its leadership position in corporate governance and risk management with its re-election into the Board of Advisors of the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) for the third consecutive time. PCI SSC is an open, global forum for the development of payment card security standards. The PCI Security Standards Council works with organisations around the world to protect businesses and consumers against data theft by continuously developing new payment security standards, cyber security training courses, and certification programmes. Lara Nwokedi, Head of Information Security Operations at First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been representing FirstBank on the Board of PCI SSC in the fight against payment fraud and data breaches globally. Nwokedi, a payment card industry professional, security lead auditor and implementer, has many years’ experience in information security and has led several initiatives in the Bank.
FirstBank has been the only African Bank elected to the PCI SSC Board since its inception. The Bank’s re-election into the Board underpins its commitment to the protection of customer assets and information. According to the MD/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Subsidiaries, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, “FirstBank has continued to maintain a safe and secure environment for customer transactions despite the challenges posed by rapid changes in technology and the operating environment. In recognition of the Bank’s interventions in abating card data theft, the PCI Security Standards Council through an open and well contested electoral process re-elected FirstBank on its Board of Advisors, a feat which no African Bank has achieved in the long history of the PCI SSC”.
Commenting on the appointments, Stephen W. Orfei, PCI SSC General Manager, said “The new PCI SSC Board of Advisors represents the very best and brightest from some of the most impressive companies and organisations in the world. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and join us in our battle against cybercrime. The input and direction we receive from our Board of Advisors is highly valued, and we look forward to getting down to work with this outstanding group. We all share the same goal of securing payment data globally”.
About FirstBank
First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) is Nigeria’s premier and most valuable banking brand, and largest financial services institution by total assets and gross earnings. With more than 12 million customer accounts, FirstBank has over 750 branches providing a comprehensive range of retail and corporate financial services. The Bank has international presence through its subsidiaries, FBN Bank (UK) Limited in London and Paris, FBNBank in the Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra-Leone and Senegal, as well as its Representative Offices in Johannesburg, Beijing and Abu Dhabi.
Since its establishment in 1894, FirstBank has consistently built relationships with customers focusing on the fundamentals of good corporate governance, strong liquidity, optimized risk management and leadership. Over the years, the Bank has led the financing of private investment in infrastructure development in the Nigerian economy by playing key roles in the Federal Government’s privatisation and commercialisation schemes. With its global reach, FirstBank provides prospective investors wishing to explore the vast business opportunities that are available in Nigeria, an internationally competitive world-class brand and a credible financial partner.
FirstBank has been named “Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria” six times in a row – 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 – by the globally renowned “The Banker Magazine” of the Financial Times Group; and “Most Innovative Bank in Africa” in the EMEA Finance African Banking Awards 2014. Recently, for the sixth consecutive time, the Bank clinched the “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” award by The Asian Banker. Our brand purpose is to always put customers, partners and stakeholders at the heart of our business, even as we standardise customer experience and excellence in financial solutions across sub-Saharan Africa, in consonance with our brand vision “To be the partner of first choice in building your future”. Our brand promise is to always deliver the ultimate “gold standard” of value and excellence. This commitment is anchored on our inherent values of passion, partnership and people, to position You First in every respect.
Folake Ani-Mumuney
Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications
