Connecting Continents: The Leadership Behind Access Bank’s Malta Expansion
The Honourable Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi joins Jamie Simmonds, Renald Theuma, and Roosevelt Ogbonna in a celebratory toast to mark the successful launch of The Access Bank Malta Limited.
Global finance is frequently discussed in abstract terms such as trade flows, market access, and regulatory frameworks. However, beneath every strategic expansion lies the influence of visionary leaders. Their perspectives, motivations, and leadership styles shape how international banking evolves in more meaningful ways than we realise.
The recent launch of The Access Bank Malta Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Access Bank UK Limited, is a case in point. This is not just about a credit institution expanding into another jurisdiction. It is a moment that brings together a trio of leaders: Roosevelt Ogbonna, the pan-African visionary behind Access Bank Plc; Jamie Simmonds, the founding CEO/MD of The Access Bank UK Limited, who transformed the UK arm into a trusted gateway for international finance; and Renald Theuma, the Maltese banking expert entrusted with leading operations on the ground.
Together, their collaboration signifies how global banking is shifting and becoming more connected, human-centric, and agile in response to the complexities of international trade.
The Access Bank UK Limited headquarters in the City of London, United Kingdom.
A Pan-African Vision Aligns with European Strategy
Roosevelt Ogbonna
For Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group CEO of Access Bank Plc, the Malta launch represents far more than a geographical expansion. It is part of a larger vision to make the Access Bank Group Africa's gateway to the world. With over 60 million customers and operations spanning three continents, the Group has already established itself as one of Africa's most influential financial institutions.
"Expanding our presence to Malta strengthens our position in a key financial hub that connects European and North African markets," Ogbonna stated during the launch. His remarks underscore the Bank's long-term ambition: to create seamless trade and banking corridors between Africa and the rest of the world. With its dual European and Mediterranean identity, Malta is the ideal connector.
What sets Ogbonna apart is his deep commitment to innovation and inclusive growth. Under his leadership, Access Bank Plc has earned accolades for ESG initiatives, mobile banking innovation, and customer-centric product development. His leadership style blends strategic vision with an unwavering commitment to maintaining relevance in emerging markets.
Jamie Simmonds: Architect of International Trust
Jamie Simmonds
If Ogbonna brings the pan-African vision, Jamie Simmonds delivers the operational framework to realise it. As the founding CEO/MD of The Access Bank UK Limited, Simmonds has spent the last decade positioning the bank as a bridge between OECD markets and Africa. Launching the Malta subsidiary is another strategic move that acknowledges Malta's evolving role in global finance.
"Europe has emerged as Africa's leading trading partner, driven by initiatives such as the Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and African regions and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With Europe-Africa economic relations entering a new phase, The Access Bank Malta Limited is ideally positioned to deepen trade and meet the financing and banking needs of our customers in these expanding markets," he noted.
Simmonds' leadership has always been underpinned by long-term thinking. He's built a reputation for trust, risk discipline, and strong regulatory alignment, as evidenced by the UK bank's authorisation by the PRA and FCA and its well-regarded branches in Dubai, Paris, and Hong Kong.
His ability to translate global strategy into local relevance positions Malta as a natural progression rather than a mere geographical presence expansion.
Renald Theuma
Renald Theuma: Malta's Strategic Leader
Strategic plans require effective execution, and Renald Theuma, CEO/MD of The Access Bank Malta Limited, plays a pivotal role in this process. A seasoned Maltese banker, Theuma brings the local knowledge, client sensitivity, and operational agility essential to the bank's success in a competitive market.
"The launch is a crucial step in our Group's expansion strategy," he said. "Our goal is to facilitate seamless cross-border trade between Europe and Africa, leveraging Malta's unique position as a financial hub."
Renald Theuma's approach is hands-on. He speaks about relationships, not just revenue. His team of 20, which is set to grow in the coming years, already focuses on bespoke trade finance solutions, tailored customer service, and high-touch relationship management. This emphasis on people-first banking may ultimately differentiate the bank from its peers.
Renald Theuma understands not just banking but also how to navigate Malta's regulatory, cultural, and economic environment, which is essential to the long-term sustainability of any international operation.
Members of The Access Bank Malta Limited’s local team pose for a photo, marking a memorable moment at the launch event at Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar.
A Blueprint for Global Financial Leadership
What makes this story compelling is not just the bank or the location but the leadership dynamic. Roosevelt Ogbonna is a visionary advocating for Africa's integration into the global economy. Jamie Simmonds is a strategist who can build trust and credibility across jurisdictions. Renald Theuma is proof that local talent can anchor global ambition. Together, they represent a new model of international banking leadership that is collaborative rather than top-down and human-centric rather than purely institutional.
In a time of geopolitical volatility, regulatory complexity, and digital disruption, this kind of leadership is not only welcome but essential.
While the Access Bank Malta launch may initially seem like a business move, it is ultimately a story about the people behind it. Leaders who not only understand the direction the world is heading but also how to lead with vision, trust, and a shared sense of purpose.
With 30 years in the industry, DPM founder Sean Arrigo leads a multidisciplinary team that transforms retail, hospitality, and residential spaces. Trusted by global brands, DPM delivers bold designs on time and on budget.