Access Bank Completes Takeover of Standard Chartered's Operations in Cameroon

Access Bank has further expanded its African network with the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank's business in Cameroon. This move is part of Standard Chartered's strategic withdrawal from several African markets and Access Bank's continued continental growth.

Details of the Acquisition

The acquisition, finalized on December 5, 2025, grants Access Bank control over Standard Chartered's full operations in Cameroon, including its customer base, staff, and existing infrastructure. Both institutions collaborated to ensure a smooth transition.

This follows a familiar pattern for Access Bank, which completed a similar takeover of Standard Chartered's consumer, private, and business banking unit in Tanzania just six months prior.

Strategic Context

For Standard Chartered, exiting Cameroon aligns with a global strategy to simplify operations, reduce costs, and focus on larger markets. The bank has previously left Angola, The Gambia, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone.

For Access Bank, the takeover represents a strategic step to strengthen its footprint in Central Africa. The bank now operates in over a dozen African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia, as well as in the United Kingdom.

Market Impact and Clarifications

Customers of Standard Chartered in Cameroon will now have their accounts and services managed by Access Bank Cameroon, gaining access to its digital platforms and broader network.

In related industry news, Zenith Bank has recently denied rumors of a planned acquisition of Paramount Bank in Kenya, though it confirmed a long-term interest in regional expansion.

*Source: Business Elites Africa*

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