InstinctBusiness CEO of the Week:Stephen Abban, Managing Director & CEO, Access Bank Gambia

Since assuming the role of Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank Gambia, Stephen Abban has emerged as a transformative leader reshaping the country’s financial landscape. With over 20 years of experience in retail and private banking, his career is marked by a commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and financial inclusion.

Abban’s journey in banking is both rich and impactful. He began his career at Guaranty Trust Bank Ghana, where he served as Group Head of Personal and Private Banking. There, he laid the groundwork for retail banking excellence, strengthening customer engagement and deepening product offerings.
Abban joined Access Bank Ghana as Group Head of Personal and Private Banking. Over the next decade, Stephen played a pivotal role in scaling retail and transaction banking operations.

Abban successfully implemented strategies to boost international money transfer services, led the issuance of Visa and MasterCard products, and promoted digital channels including Internet and Mobile Banking. His tenure also extended to Access Bank Plc, where he served as Divisional Head of Retail Banking, helping to shape the group’s broader retail strategy.

Now at the helm of Access Bank Gambia, Abban is driving forward the bank’s mission to offer customer-centric, innovative financial solutions. Under his leadership, the bank recorded a remarkable $3 billion in gross revenue in 2024, representing 183% growth from the previous year and a 424% increase over a three-year period.

One of his huge achievements came , when Abban led the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gambia’s Accountant General’s Department. The agreement empowers the Access Bank to collect non-tax revenue on behalf of the government—a key step in digitizing public finance, reducing cash handling, and curbing revenue leakages.

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Abban has also been instrumental in expanding financial inclusion. His championing of AccessAfrica, a digital cross-border payment platform, is helping bridge the gap for underserved populations by offering accessible, convenient savings and transaction options. These initiatives are aligned with his broader vision of democratizing access to banking services and nurturing a savings culture across The Gambia.

Two years into his tenure, Abban continues to lead Access Bank Gambia with strategic foresight, positioning the institution as a hub for financial innovation, security, and economic development. His efforts not only support the bank’s growth but also contribute to the broader goal of building a more financially inclusive Gambia.

InstinctBusiness Magazine’s recognition celebrates top-performing executives globally, honouring exceptional leadership, innovation, and transformative impact across diverse industries.