In a move set to reshape the financial landscape of the Southeast, The Alternative Bank has unveiled its newest branch in Aba, the commercial heartbeat of Abia State.
The strategic expansion signals a transformative milestone in the bank’s mission to deliver specialised, partnership-driven financial solutions to Nigeria’s most enterprising regions.
As part of its engagement activities in the commercial city of Aba over the weekend, the bank also hosted a business forum that brought together business leaders, government officials, and entrepreneurs eager to learn more about and understand its unique offerings across the corporate, personal, business and private banking segments.
Speaking at the event, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, executive director, South, emphasised Aba’s importance as a business powerhouse. “Aba drives commerce in the South-East. Any institution serious about economic impact must be here,” she said.
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The forum was an opportunity to engage directly with the business community and highlight the advantages of non-interest banking, which is built on trust, partnership, and shared success.
“Our customers aren’t just account holders; they are partners,” Demola-Adeniyi explained. “We don’t just provide financing: we collaborate, ensuring their success because when they thrive, we thrive. Unlike conventional banks, we share both the risks and rewards.”
She also outlined the bank’s history, from its decade-long presence as a non-interest banking window under Sterling Bank to its current status as an independent entity under Sterling Financial Holdings. “Our records are public because transparency is key. Our values, execution, excellence, and empathy, are the key drivers in everything we do.”
The Alternative Bank’s range of financial solutions (Corporate, Business, Private, and Personal Banking) was showcased at the forum. Key features include zero account maintenance charges for personal and business accounts, as well as, a friendly transaction structure designed to ease the financial burdens of individuals and businesses.
Chukwuemeka Agada, regional business executive, elaborated on the bank’s tailored approach. “We’ve built flexible financial frameworks to support businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, we have solutions that work for you.”
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Alex Otti, Abia State Governor, represented by the Finance Commissioner, Uwaoma Ukandu, acknowledged the bank’s role in driving economic growth. “Aba’s business community is full of innovators and job creators. With partners like The Alternative Bank, they can expand without the usual financial roadblocks.”
Industry leaders also praised the bank’s model. Chief Emeka Diwe, president General of the Association of South-East Town Unions (ASETU), described it as a breath of fresh air in Nigeria’s financial space. “This is banking that goes beyond transactions; it’s about real impact.”
Chief Nwaogwugwu Uzoma, National President of the Farmers’ Cooperative of Nigeria, commended the bank’s dedication to agriculture. “They’re not just talking; they’re ready to work with us. This is the kind of banking that drives real change.”
Obilor Anyanwu, Mayor of Aba South, urged the bank to deepen its engagement with local businesses. “Aba’s entrepreneurs are eager to work with institutions that genuinely support growth. The Alternative Bank has a golden opportunity here.”
The forum drew key stakeholders, including government officials from Abia and Enugu states, industry leaders, cooperative representatives, and small-scale manufacturers. With its expanded presence in Aba, The Alternative Bank is redefining banking by providing businesses and individuals with a more inclusive and collaborative financial model.
