The Access Bank UK Limited officially opens Hong Kong branch

It will focus on international trade and commercial banking.

The Access Bank UK Limited has officially opened its Hong Kong branch today. The branch operates as a restricted licence bank.

This makes it the first West African Bank to establish a presence in Hong Kong, according to the press release.

Headed by Ernest Law, the Hong Kong branch will focus on international trade finance and commercial banking.

The branch is expected to initially employ 25 people, with expansion expected over time.

The Access Bank UK Limited said that it will capitalise on the expanding economic partnership between Asia and Africa, naming Hong Kong as the “ideal gateway” for trade between the two regions.

The bank aims to support the increasing flow of trade between these regions.

Attending the launch ceremony is Ambassador Oludare E. Folowosele, Consul General of the Consulate General of The Federal Republic of Nigeria; James Simmonds, founding CEO and managing director of the Access Bank UK Limited; and Ernest Law, managing director and chief executive of the bank.

“This is a huge milestone in the development of trade flows between Asia and Africa as the first West African banking group to attain this status,” Ambassador Folowosele said, commenting on the opening.

“This also aligns perfectly well with the initiatives between China and Africa where we see growing potential for business flows between the two countries,” the ambassador added.