UBA Launches Instant Digital Account Opening Platform for Africa and Diaspora Customers

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Africa’s Global Bank, has unveiled a simplified Instant Account Opening digital platform aimed at making banking faster, more accessible, and truly borderless for customers across Africa and in the diaspora. 

The newly launched platform allows prospective customers to start and complete their account opening journey entirely online, removing long-standing barriers such as paperwork and mandatory branch visits. With this innovation, UBA further reinforces its leadership in digital banking and financial inclusion across the continent.

Through the platform, customers can initiate onboarding via the web by selecting their preferred country and language. The service is accessible on computers, tablets, and smartphones, delivering a seamless and user-friendly experience across devices.

The platform supports both Naira and Diaspora account openings and offers multi-language options that reflect UBA’s diverse customer base and strong pan-African presence.

Built on Trust, Privacy, and Compliance

In line with global best practices, the Instant Account Opening platform is fully compliant with applicable privacy and data protection regulations, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This ensures strong data security, increased customer confidence, and a robust legal framework for international and diaspora customers.

Bridging Traditional Banking and Fintech Convenience

Unlike conventional banking onboarding processes that require physical branch visits, paper documentation, and in-person biometric capture, UBA’s new platform enables customers to complete onboarding digitally. Customers can upload required documents, complete digital Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification, and enroll instantly on UBA’s digital banking channels.

The platform delivers the speed and convenience associated with fintech solutions while retaining the security, regulatory depth, and institutional strength of a leading African bank.

How It Works

Opening an account on the platform is simple and intuitive:

Visit aop.ubagroup.com

Click Open a Savings Account and select Get Started

Enter your BVN and complete facial verification

Confirm the OTP sent to your registered phone number

Provide and update personal details

Upload required documents and add a digital signature

Receive your account number instantly

Commenting on the launch, Shamsideen Fashola, Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, said the initiative aligns with UBA’s mission to democratize access to financial services through technology.

“At UBA, we are committed to redefining the customer experience through innovation and simplicity. Our new Instant Account Opening platform removes traditional barriers and makes it easy for anyone whether on the continent or in the diaspora to open an account in minutes. This fully digital solution underscores our belief that banking should be accessible, secure, and truly borderless,” he said.

Also speaking, Alero Ladipo, Group Head, Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communication, noted that the platform responds to evolving customer expectations.

“Today’s customers expect speed, convenience, and compliance without compromise. With this platform, we have blended industry-leading digital onboarding with robust privacy and regulatory standards, ensuring a seamless account opening experience that aligns with global best practices,” she said.

United Bank for Africa operates in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. The bank provides retail, commercial, and institutional banking services and is a leader in financial inclusion and technology-driven banking solutions. UBA employs over 30,000 people across the Group and serves more than 50 million customers globally.