Alert Group has been awarded Fastest-Growing Financial Services Group of the Year at the 2026 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions Awards, acknowledging its business growth, financial results, and efforts to enhance access to financial services in Nigeria.
The accolade was given at the 14th edition of the BAFI Awards, which took place recently at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The yearly awards, hosted by BusinessDay Media Limited, recognize financial institutions showcasing excellence, innovation, and leadership within Nigeria’s financial services sector.
The acknowledgment comes after a time of notable expansion for Alert Group, fueled by the growth of its lending services, enhanced deposit collections, and a strategy aimed at offering financial and renewable energy solutions to individuals and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
Reflecting on the recognition, Dr. Kazeem Olanrewaju, Group Chief Executive Officer of Alert Group, thanked BusinessDay Media Limited and characterized the award as a motivation to strengthen the group’s dedicationto financial inclusion and sustainable development.
“We are proud to obtain this acknowledgment from BusinessDay.” This recognition embodies the commitment of our team, the trust placed in us by our clients, and the intentional steps we’ve taken to create a financial services organization that meets the requirements of individuals and enterprises.
“Our emphasis has consistently been on broadening access to financial resources, especially for small and medium enterprises that are crucial to Nigeria’s economy.” “As we expand, we are dedicated to enhancing our operations, crafting suitable financial solutions, and providing opportunities for additional Nigerians to obtain the funding and services they require,” he stated.
Alert Group functions via four subsidiaries: Alert Microfinance Bank Limited, Auto Bucks Lenders Limited, Bucksfield Asset Management, and Greenbucks Limited.
Collectively, the companies offer services that include microfinance banking, SME loans, investment and asset management, as well as financing for clean energy.
The group’s growth has been bolstered by Alert Microfinance Bank acquiring a national microfinance banking license from the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2026, allowing it to broaden its service reach to additional communities nationwide.
Hachem Bdeir, the Group Chief Operating Officer of Alert Group, stated, “This acknowledgment holds special significance as our expansion relies on the trust and confidence of the clients and companies we support.” For us, being the fastest-growing financial services group means more than just expanding our activities. It involves creating a trustworthy brand, enhancing accessibility to financial services, and reliably fulfilling our commitments to clients.
Commenting on the acknowledgment, the Chief Executive Officer of Alert Microfinance Bank, Saheed Raji, mentioned that the accolade signifies the group’s dedication to enhancing financial accessibility while fostering a sustainable financial entity.
“Receiving this honor showcases the advancements we have achieved in making financial services more accessible to individuals and businesses in need.” “Raji mentioned that at Alert Microfinance Bank, we recognize the crucial role that access to finance has in enabling entrepreneurs to maintain their operations, seize opportunities, and expand their businesses.”
Alert Group presently functions in over 20 states nationwide, boasting more than 45 branches throughout Nigeria, aiding MSMEs and individuals with available financial solutions. This tangible presence, which brings the group’s offerings nearer to the communities and businesses it serves, now exists alongside an expanding range of digital platforms, such as the Alert Mobile app, the Goldbucks savings application, Alert Business Banking, POS, and the Alert Debit Card.
The BAFI accolade highlights Alert Group’s development in Nigeria’s financial services sector and its dedication to enhancing financial access, fostering enterprise growth, and aiding the nation’s overall economic progress.
