Access Bank Credit and Risk Management Enhancement
Industry: Financial Services
Business Problem
Access Bank faced challenges in credit processing and risk management across its subsidiaries, affecting decision-making and competitiveness due to manual workflows and outdated technology.
Commercial Impact
The solution resulted in faster credit approvals, improved risk management, and compliance, boosting operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Microsoft Solution
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Partner
Reliance Infosystems
Abstract
Access Bank aimed to transform credit and risk management. It partnered with Reliance Infosystems to achieve this vision. Together, they launched a digital solution powered by Microsoft Azure. The goal was to boost efficiency, improve decision-making, and strengthen competitiveness in the financial sector. With analytics and machine learning at its core, the solution upgraded credit approval workflows. It also enhanced risk assessment capabilities. Results came fast: approval times dropped, risk management improved, and profitability increased. The bank is now positioned for future growth. Highlighted in this case study is how strategy, technology, and collaboration can reshape the financial industry.
Understanding The Problem
Access Bank, a leading force in financial services in Nigeria and across Africa, initially faced multifaceted operational challenges that demanded a bold transformation. The bank needed to overhaul its credit processing and risk management framework to keep pace with market expectations. However, its existing system relied heavily on manual procedures and outdated technological tools, creating bottlenecks that slowed operations and limited the bank’s ability to respond quickly to evolving market demands.
Moreover, operating across multiple geographies, Access Bank struggled with legacy credit and risk management processes that produced long approval times. As a consequence, long approval cycles limited the bank’s ability to respond quickly to customer needs and led to missed market opportunities. Without centralized risk visibility, the problem intensified, making decision-making more difficult. Ultimately, the bank faced greater exposure to potential financial losses—a risky position for a leading financial institution.
Consequently, these inefficiencies steadily weakened the bank’s competitive edge. Access Bank struggled to navigate the complex demands of risk management and credit approval in a highly regulated environment shaped by shifting regulatory scrutiny and evolving risk landscapes. More agile competitors moved faster, putting the bank at a disadvantage. To address this and protect itself from emerging threats and strengthen its risk management practices, Access Bank set out to find an innovative, future-ready solution.
This critical business challenge demanded an immediate and robust response. To meet it head‑on, Access Bank sought a solution that could streamline credit processes, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen decision-making for greater agility. At the same time, the bank required a system aligned with its strategic goal of advancing banking technologies. In doing so, it reinforced its commitment to innovation and secured its leadership position in the financial sector.
Like many in the banking industry, Access Bank faced a familiar challenge. However, the scale and complexity of its operations demanded a tailored and sophisticated response. To move forward, the bank required a digital transformation that could recalibrate its entire credit and risk management framework. Its aim was to meet the demands of a rapidly changing financial services landscape.
Solution Deployed
To address Access Bank’s critical business needs, a comprehensive digital solution was meticulously designed and deployed, centralizing and streamlining their credit and risk management processes. The bedrock of this solution was a powerful integration of Microsoft Azure’s cloud technology, ensuring scalability, robust security, and system automation.
Strategically developed, the solution’s architecture incorporated advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms. This design significantly improved the bank’s credit assessment accuracy and strengthened decision-making capabilities. Through these technologies, real-time monitoring and analysis of credit portfolios and risk exposures became possible. As a result, the bank achieved proactive risk management and dynamic credit approval processes. With customized dashboards, executives gained actionable insights to make swift, informed decisions. Turnaround times for credit approvals dropped, and operational responsiveness across the bank increased.
Designed to set Access Bank apart, the solution went beyond technology alone. It emphasized a close collaborative approach to meet the bank’s specific needs with precision. Engaged from the onset, key stakeholders helped define requirements and tailor the solution to align with strategic objectives. Complementing this, comprehensive training programs and support initiatives empowered staff to adopt and use new digital tools confidently. Through this structured approach, Access Bank achieved smooth adoption and effective integration of innovation into daily operations.
The transformational impact of the deployed solution was evident immediately. It not only improved risk visibility and compliance management but also boosted both staff performance and customer satisfaction. Looking forward, this strategic digital enhancement is projected to strengthen the bank's risk mitigation capabilities, augment profitability, and expand its market share through faster innovation and product development.
In deploying this solution, Access Bank not only solved its immediate operational inefficiencies but also positioned itself as a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge technology to lead the financial services industry into a new era of digital excellence.
Reliance Market Differentiation
Distinguished by technical expertise and industry insight, Reliance Infosystems has earned a strong reputation. In the case of Access Bank, the team drew on deep knowledge of financial risk management and compliance to craft a tailored solution. By leveraging Microsoft Azure, they addressed the bank’s complex needs with precision. As a result, the deployment highlighted Reliance’s strength in delivering advanced technology. It also demonstrated their ability to shape a strategic roadmap aligned with the bank’s long-term goals.
Through advanced analytics and machine learning, Reliance Infosystems delivered significant value to Access Bank. Consequently, the bank’s decision-making precision improved, and risk management became more effective. Another impact was the strong collaboration the team demonstrated by sharing knowledge and aligning with industry best practices. This approach ensured Access Bank stayed ahead in digital banking innovation. Reliance’s agility in addressing complex challenges and reshaping operations highlighted their strength. Ultimately, this reinforced their position as a leading cloud technology partner in the financial services sector.
Engagement with Microsoft
The project’s success relied on close engagement with Microsoft. Key conversations with Microsoft experts, especially Damilare Shittu, were pivotal. His guidance shaped the project from conception to deployment. Through Microsoft’s referral, Access Bank gained a tailored Azure solution that addressed credit and risk management challenges directly. The partnership, strengthened by Shittu’s expertise, delivered immediate results. It also supported the bank’s vision for future-ready digital infrastructure in financial services.
