First Atlantic Bank PLC (FAB) has taken a major step in its regional growth strategy after securing regulatory approval to operate in Liberia. The development marks an important milestone for the Ghanaian bank as it seeks to expand its presence across West Africa and strengthen its position as a leading regional financial institution.
The licence, granted by the Central Bank of Liberia, allows FAB to offer a full range of banking services in the country, from retail and corporate banking to digital financial solutions. Officials at FAB say the approval reflects the bank’s strong governance, operational capacity, and long-term strategy to provide customer-focused banking across borders. With over two decades of experience in the financial sector, the bank is ready to bring its expertise to Liberia’s emerging market.
FAB’s expansion is not only about entering a new geography but also about driving economic impact. The bank plans to support local businesses, boost entrepreneurship, and promote financial inclusion in Liberia. By offering modern and reliable banking services tailored to the local market, FAB aims to address gaps in access to credit, payments, and savings solutions that many Liberians face.
The bank has highlighted its commitment to leveraging innovation and service excellence as it sets up operations in the country. FAB has earned recognition as a two-time Digital Bank of the Year award winner, underscoring its strength in technology-driven banking and superior customer experience. The bank intends to use its award-winning digital platforms, processes, and expertise to provide seamless banking solutions in Liberia, from mobile banking to online corporate services.
Leadership at FAB say the expansion also strengthens regional economic integration. By connecting Ghana and Liberia through banking services, the bank is facilitating trade, investments, and cross-border transactions. The move is seen as a positive development for regional business partnerships, particularly within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) framework, even though Liberia is not a member, as trade and financial linkages remain critical in the sub-region.
The CEO of First Atlantic Bank, Mr. Kwame Asante, described the new licence as “a defining moment” for the bank. He noted that Liberia presents a promising market for retail and corporate banking, with opportunities to support local SMEs, international traders, and individual customers seeking modern financial solutions. “Our expansion is guided by a clear mission: to deliver banking experiences built on trust, innovation, and convenience, while contributing to the economic growth of Liberia and the region,” he said.
FAB also plans to employ a mix of digital and branch-based banking to reach a wide customer base, ensuring that services are accessible even in remote locations. The bank’s strategy includes partnerships with local businesses, financial education programs, and targeted lending schemes to foster entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
Industry analysts say the move reflects a growing trend among West African banks to explore new markets as regional economies open up and demand for modern banking solutions rises. FAB’s experience in Ghana, where it has successfully built a strong retail and corporate banking footprint, positions it well to replicate similar success in Liberia.
As FAB prepares to commence operations, the bank is signalling its commitment to being a customer-centric, technologically advanced, and socially responsible financial institution. By exporting its values and proven banking expertise to Liberia, the bank is reinforcing its vision of becoming a regional powerhouse capable of shaping the future of banking in West Africa.
With the regulatory green light now secured, all eyes are on FAB as it begins this new chapter. The expansion is expected to strengthen regional ties, increase financial inclusion, and bring innovative banking solutions to Liberia’s growing market, setting a benchmark for other West African banks eyeing cross-border growth.
