By Juliet Umeh

A financial institution, Sterling Bank, has said it is championing Nigeria’s homegrown technology revolution.

The bank stated that its transformation from a traditional financial institution to a digital-first bank takes centre stage in a newly released documentary.

The documentary, produced by Founders Connect, a digital media platform dedicated to African entrepreneurship and innovation, chronicles Sterling Bank’s journey from its origins as Nigeria Acceptances Limited (NAL) to its present-day evolution as a tech-driven institution committed to homegrown solutions.

A key highlight of the film is the bank’s adoption of SeaBaas, Africa’s first indigenous core banking system, developed to reduce reliance on foreign banking technology. This move reflects a broader shift within Nigeria’s financial sector towards local innovation and adaptable technology.

A member of the Founders Connect team, Tega Gabriel, said: “What stood out to us while making this documentary was Sterling Bank’s willingness to challenge the status quo.

“This isn’t just a story about their transformation—it’s about a bank rethinking its entire approach to banking, putting customers at the centre, and proving that real innovation starts from within.”

The documentary also explores Sterling Bank’s response to major industry changes, including the 2006 banking consolidation, its 2019 rebrand, and its ongoing shift towards digitally-driven financial services. Through exclusive interviews with executives and staff, the film offers deep insights into how technology is shaping the institution’s future.

Beyond infrastructure changes, Sterling Bank has introduced innovative products such as Specta, a digital lending platform that provides instant loans, reinforcing its commitment to flexible, accessible, and customer-centric banking solutions.

Host of Founders Connect, Peace Itimi, remarked: “Sterling Bank isn’t just adapting to change—it’s setting the pace. This documentary tells the story of their fearless innovation and commitment to shaping the future of finance in Nigeria.”

Another team member, Joyce Imiegha, added: “Sterling Bank’s innovations show how technology can make banking simpler and more useful for everyday people. This documentary captures how they have bridged the gap between traditional and modern banking needs.”

At a time when financial institutions face rapid technological advancements, Sterling Bank’s transformation stands as a case study on redefining banking in the digital era. The documentary, now available for streaming on Peace Itimi’s YouTube channel, provides an inside look at how a legacy institution is navigating the future of finance in Nigeria