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Institutional Banking
Institutional banking services supporting cross-border trade with African markets, delivered through our UK-regulated platform and regional network.
We provide Correspondent Banking services, Treasury, Lending and other structured Financing solutions to Institutional Banking Clients.
Institutional Banking
This page is intended for institutional clients only and does not constitute an offer to retail customers.
Supporting Financial Institutions and Global Exporters Engaging with African Markets
This page provides clear information about the Institutional Banking services we offer, the types of organisations we support, and the key considerations involved when accessing our products. Our aim is to help you make informed decisions and understand both the opportunities and risks associated with each solution.
Who We Support
We work with a wide range of institutional clients, including:
- Financial Institutions (FIs)
- Non‑Bank Financial Institutions
- Sovereign and Public Sector Entities
- Corporates and global exporters trading with African markets
Our specialist teams draw on deep knowledge of African markets and cross‑border trade flows to support your organisation’s objectives.
Who We Support
We work with a wide range of institutional clients, including:
- Financial Institutions (FIs)
- Non‑Bank Financial Institutions
- Sovereign and Public Sector Agencies
- Corporates and global exporters trading with African markets
Our specialist teams draw on deep knowledge of African markets and cross‑border trade flows to support your organisation’s objectives.
Why Clients Work with Us
We take time to understand your organisation’s objectives and offer solutions tailored to your needs. Our teams combine regional experience, product knowledge, and a holistic approach across geographies to support sustainable growth.
Before You Engage With Us
To help you make informed decisions, we encourage clients to understand key risks including counterparty risk, market risk (e.g. foreign exchange movements), liquidity considerations, and jurisdictional/legal risks depending on the product and market.
Our institutional banking services are provided to professional clients.
Products and services are subject to eligibility, due diligence, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Our Institutional Banking Services
Trade Finance
- Letter of Credit (LC) Confirmation and Trade Loans
- Managing working capital linked to trade cycles
- Facilitating shipment, delivery, and settlement processes
- Forfaiting and Avalised draft discounting
Risks and terms will vary depending on structure and jurisdiction and will be provided as part of the transaction documentation.
Correspondent Banking
What this service includes:
- Processing international and cross‑border payments
- Supporting settlement across jurisdictions
- Enhancing connectivity to global financial markets
- Supporting International Trade Settlement across jurisdiction
Risks and terms will vary depending on structure and jurisdiction and will be provided as part of the transaction documentation.
Direct Lending
What to expect:
- Tailored facility structures aligned to client needs
- Solutions designed to support growth, liquidity, and operational objectives
Risks and terms will vary depending on structure and jurisdiction and will be provided as part of the transaction documentation.
Loan Syndication & Distribution
Typical benefits:
- Access to a broader pool of lenders
- Diversification of funding sources
- Support for complex and sizeable transactions
Risks and terms will vary depending on structure and jurisdiction and will be provided as part of the transaction documentation.
Deposits & Payment Solutions
Features may include:
- Multi‑currency account structures
- Real‑time and bulk payment capabilities
- Cash flow and liquidity support
Risks and terms will vary depending on structure and jurisdiction and will be provided as part of the transaction documentation.
Foreign Exchange and Treasury Services
Risks and terms will vary depending on structure and jurisdiction and will be provided as part of the transaction documentation.
Loan Syndication & Distribution
Typical benefits:
- Access to a broader pool of lenders
- Diversification of funding sources
- Support for complex and sizeable transactions
Forfaiting / Avalisation of Drafts
How this can help:
-Improves cash flow
- Supports efficient execution of trade contracts
- Complements broader trade finance structures
Foreign Exchange and Treasury Services
Available solutions:
- Spot foreign exchange transactions
- Simple hedging solutions
- Liquidity and treasury support services
Loan Syndication & Distribution
Deposits & Payment Solutions
Forfaiting/Avalisation of Drafts
The FirstBank
UK Advantage
- We are Experts
- Knowledge and Deep sector Insight
- Professional Advice to Manage Your Risk, Improve Liquidity and Achieve Growth Targets
- Access and be-spoke Banking Services
Contact Us
Contact our Institutional Banking team to discuss eligibility, product suitability and onboarding requirements.
This information is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation. Products and services are subject to eligibility and regulatory requirements.
For more information on institutional banking, please contact our Institutional Banking Team.