Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria continues to struggle with financial inclusion. Many citizens remain wary of high fees, interest-based products that clash with religious beliefs, or simply a lack of trust. Even those within the system face challenges: restricted global spending, limited card options, and slow adaptation to green or tech-driven financing.
As the world tilts toward sustainability, digital access, and ethical business practices, the Nigerian banking sector risks being left behind. But now, Jaiz Bank Plc, Nigeria’s pioneer non-interest bank, is stepping into the future, and it’s bringing digital innovation and ethical finance along for the ride.
Since its establishment in 2012, Jaiz Bank has steadily positioned itself as the ethical alternative. With a clear vision, “To be the clear leader in ethical banking in Africa.” Now, over a decade later, the bank is rebranding for a new era.
In an ambitious move, Jaiz is introducing dollar cards, electric vehicle (EV) financing options, and other asset-backed packages, all underpinned by ethical principles. The idea? Blend modern financial technology with moral consciousness to create inclusive, sustainable access.
“We’re not just rebranding our look, we’re reshaping how finance feels,” a senior bank executive shared. “We’re introducing tools that meet global standards while staying true to our values.”
Jaiz remains the first Islamic bank in the world to break even within its first three years of operation, a milestone achieved despite the absence of Islamic finance instruments in Nigeria at the time. The bank has also bagged several accolades, including the Most Improved Islamic Banking Award from the Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA) in both 2020 and 2021. With the global shift toward ethical investing, ESG policies, and clean energy, Jaiz’s move to support electric vehicles and offer globally accepted, Shariah-compliant dollar cards signals a bold entry into next-generation banking.
In an era when trust in institutions is fragile, Jaiz Bank is prioritising transparency, ethics, and innovation.
According to Haruna Musa, Ph.D, Managing Director of Jaiz Bank,
“Our core values, summarised by the acronym ETHICAL- Excellence, Teamwork, Honesty, Integrity, Customer-Centricity, Accountability, and Loyalty, aren’t just nice words. We reflect a banking model designed to serve people, rather than pressuring them.”
By bridging tradition and technology, Jaiz Bank is carving out space for a new kind of banking experience, one that values people, planet, and principles in equal measure.
For a country like Nigeria, where faith, financial independence, and digital access intersect, this could very well be the future of finance.
