Smartcash Payment Service Bank (PSB), a subsidiary of Airtel Nigeria, has been recognised as the Outstanding Payment Service Bank of the Year 2024 (Fintech) at the New Telegraph Awards, reaffirming its continued growth and reach of the PSB within the last year.
The award ceremony, which took place at the Lagos Oriental Hotel on Friday 21st of February 2025, celebrated Smartcash PSB’s commitment to providing seamless, secure, and inclusive financial solutions aimed at driving financial inclusion across Nigeria.
During his welcome address, the managing director and editor-in-chief of New Telegraph Newspapers, Ayodele Aminu, emphasized the need to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions across various sectors.
“The New Telegraph Awards was in place to identify and assess individuals or organisations who have played a significant impact in politics, governance, industry, and other sectors of life. We believe that acknowledging them will galvanize the awardees towards greater productivity and excellence in their various fields and we look forward to seeing the incredible impact they will continue to make,” he said.
Commenting on the award, Chief Executive Officer, SmartCash PSB, Ayotunde Kuponiyi said, “Receiving the Outstanding PSB of the Year 2024 (Fintech Award) from New Telegraph is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing financial inclusion and empowering MSMEs across Nigeria. At SmartCash PSB, we remain dedicated to bridging the financial gap for underserved communities through innovative and accessible solutions. This recognition strengthens our resolve to drive economic empowerment and sustainable growth for millions of Nigerians.”
CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, remarked that the award was a reminder to the company of its commitment to excellent customer services. “The recognition by New Telegraph again reminds us as a business to remain dedicated to keeping the customer at the heart of our operations,” he said.
Since its launch, Smartcash PSB has continued to advance the digital payments landscape by offering secure payments, mobile banking solutions, and agent banking services, enabling seamless financial transactions for both urban and underserved communities.
The event had prominent guests in attendance, including former chairman of Nigerian Ports Authority and statesman Chief Bode George who was the chairman of the awards; Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, publisher of New Telegraph; Mr Festus Keyamo, Mister of Aviation & Aerospace Development; and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State; among others.
