Nigerian financial powerhouse Access Bank Plc has officially completed the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank’s operations in Cameroon, marking a major step in its pan-African expansion strategy.
The handover, confirmed on December 5, 2025, finalizes Standard Chartered’s strategic exit from the Cameroonian market, part of a broader global restructuring that saw the British lender withdraw from several African countries.
Under the agreement, all of Standard Chartered’s banking operations in Cameroon—including branches, staff, customers, systems, and assets—have been fully integrated into Access Bank Cameroon Plc.
The transition was executed smoothly, ensuring continuity for customers and employees alike.
Standard Chartered has been gradually reducing its footprint in select African markets to focus on optimizing efficiency and global scale. Cameroon was one of the last markets in this divestment plan, following exits in Angola, The Gambia, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone.
In a statement at the time of the handover, Standard Chartered leadership described the move as a key milestone, emphasizing that staff and customers were prioritized throughout the transition.
For Access Bank, the acquisition strengthens its presence in Central Africa and builds on previous deals in East and West Africa, reinforcing its ambition to become one of the continent’s leading banking groups.
Analysts predict that the takeover will open new avenues for growth in the region, enabling Access Bank to expand its services to both corporate and retail customers while driving financial inclusion in Cameroon.
Customers of the former Standard Chartered Bank can expect a seamless transition, with minimal disruption, as operations continue under the Access Bank brand.