Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, driving innovation, job creation and wealth distribution. Yet, despite their importance, they continue to face significant barriers in accessing tailored financing and support. Assets Microfinance Bank (MFB) has stepped firmly into this gap, building a reputation as a transformative partner for entrepreneurs. At the centre of this vision is Emmanuel Bassey, Managing Director of the bank, whose career journey reflects both deep expertise and a passion for empowering businesses at the grassroots.
Bassey brings to his role over a decade of experience across the financial services sector, having worked in customer service, consulting, marketing, corporate strategy, product management and business performance. His career includes time at an international microfinance group operating across continents, where he focused on MSME financing. “It’s been just an interesting ride trying to serve MSMEs and see how much value we create,” he reflects. For him, the motivation has always been the visible impact that targeted financial support brings to entrepreneurs and communities.
At the heart of Assets MFB’s operations is what Bassey calls “the Assets Way”—a philosophy anchored on understanding the specific needs of clients and creating bespoke financial products. Unlike many institutions that offer generic loan packages, Assets engages directly with customers to identify gaps, then designs solutions that “go beyond the regular products you see in the market.”
Customer-centricity, partnership and innovation form the three pillars of the bank’s strategy. These values extend beyond slogans, with customer service embedded into its operations, including 24/7 availability and hands-on support that surpasses the traditional account officer model. “The more we converse with our customers, the more needs we identify,” says Bassey, highlighting how continuous feedback drives the bank’s product innovation.
Technology has also become central to Assets MFB’s expansion. Recognising that its clientele stretches across Lagos and beyond, the bank has invested heavily in digital transformation, building a comprehensive platform tailored for both corporate and individual clients. Among its standout innovations is Olivia, a digital product designed to help traditional store owners transition into e-commerce. With an Assets account, a trader can instantly launch an online store, reaching customers across Nigeria and boosting sales. The bank is also rolling out payment services to support online sellers, reinforcing trust and legitimacy in the digital marketplace.
The bank’s approach to lending balances ambition with responsibility. Rather than over- or under-financing clients, Assets prioritises understanding business models, seasonality, cash flow and repayment capacity before loans are issued. This ensures that credit is deployed at the right scale and time, aligning with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s push for financial inclusion. Bassey also stresses the rationale behind interest rates, explaining that they reflect the bank’s role in managing risk, protecting savers’ funds and maintaining profitability.
Looking ahead, Assets MFB has set ambitious goals for the next five years. These include expanding its footprint across Nigeria, diversifying product offerings for different SME segments—agriculture, trade, importation and others—and connecting entire value chains. Bassey envisions a future where, for example, a cassava farmer in a rural community can sell produce to buyers in Lagos through a live e-commerce store linked to an Assets account.
Ultimately, Assets Microfinance Bank under Emmanuel Bassey is positioning itself not just as a lender but as a partner in growth. By blending customer-centric practices, strong partnerships, continuous innovation and responsible lending, the bank is redefining how MSMEs are supported in Nigeria. As Bassey notes, the goal is clear: “to touch the lives of every SME the Assets way.”
