Access Bank Earns ISO/IEC 27701:2019 Certification, Raising the Bar in Privacy Management
A Milestone in Trust and Data Protection
Access Bank has added another feather to its cap. The financial giant has officially been awarded the ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certification, the world’s leading standard for Privacy Information Management Systems. This achievement signals a stronger commitment to protecting data and reinforces its standing as a trailblazer in Africa’s financial services sector.
Unlike many banks that talk about security in abstract terms, Access Bank has now received formal recognition for embedding privacy at the core of its systems. The certification does not only validate compliance, but it also demonstrates deliberate investment in digital resilience.
What the Certification Means
The ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certification is not a routine badge. It is a rigorous standard that ensures organisations operate with a structured Privacy Information Management System. For Access Bank, it covers the management, processing, and protection of personally identifiable information belonging to customers, employees, and third parties across the organisation.
The certification extends to both physical and digital assets. It governs how data is collected, processed, stored, shared, and eventually disposed of. Access Bank’s Statement of Applicability, version 15.0, dated March 27, 2025, confirms its dual role as both a PII Controller and PII Processor. In practical terms, this means the bank has built a framework to safeguard sensitive information at every stage of its lifecycle.
Leadership Voices on the Achievement
Dr. Favour Femi-Oyewole, the Group Chief Information Security Officer and Data Protection Officer at Access Bank, described the certification as more than an award. She emphasized that it is proof of the bank’s proactive approach to information security, privacy, and trust. According to her, this milestone demonstrates the bank’s continuous improvement culture and its alignment with global best practices.
Lanre Bamisebi, Executive Director of IT and Digitisation at Access Holdings, echoed the sentiment. He highlighted how the certification underlines the bank’s commitment to embedding privacy into its digital strategy. For him, this achievement is both a strategic investment in customer trust and a testament to the cross-functional collaboration within the organisation.
Why It Matters for Customers and Stakeholders
Trust has always been the currency of banking. In today’s digital world, where cyber threats and privacy concerns dominate conversations, being certified under ISO/IEC 27701:2019 sends a clear message. Customers, regulators, and stakeholders can be confident that Access Bank has placed privacy at the heart of its operations.
The certification also reflects the bank’s forward-thinking governance approach. It ensures that data management practices are not only compliant with current regulations but also adaptable to future shifts in global data protection laws.
About Access Bank PLC
Access Bank, a subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC, is one of Africa’s largest retail banks. With over 700 branches across three continents and 23 countries, it serves more than 60 million customers. The bank employs over 28,000 people and has representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and the UAE.
Since its listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1998, Access Bank has built a reputation for strong retail growth, innovative digital platforms, and robust corporate banking expertise. Today, it operates through three major segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking.
The bank’s rise over the last 18 years remains one of Africa’s most compelling growth stories. Beyond financial performance, Access Bank has consistently demonstrated a commitment to economic development, innovation, and sustainable practices.
Final Word
Securing the ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certification is more than a compliance victory for Access Bank. It is a signal of leadership in an industry where customer trust is increasingly tied to data security and privacy. As the digital landscape evolves, Access Bank continues to set the pace by combining strong governance, resilient systems, and an unwavering commitment to stakeholders.
For customers and partners, this recognition reinforces one truth: Access Bank is not only managing money, it is safeguarding trust.
