Built to keep money safe — and progress moving.

Sterling pairs disciplined regulatory controls with the speed our customers expect. This is where we set out how we protect deposits, screen risk, and earn trust on every transaction.

Explore our controls Report a concern →
100%
Accounts verified
Every customer onboarded under full KYC and due-diligence checks.
24/7
Transaction monitoring
Automated surveillance runs continuously across all channels.
ISO
27001
Information security
Independently certified controls protecting customer data.
<15m
Escalation window
Median time to flag and route a suspicious activity alert.

A capability map, not a checklist.

Each area below works as one connected system. Open any card to see how the discipline behind it actually operates.

Discipline and speed, by design.

A bank can be fast or it can be careful — the assumption is you choose one. We've built the operating model so that controls are part of the rail, not a toll booth bolted on after.

Independence keeps judgement honest, a risk-based lens puts effort where exposure is greatest, and automation handles volume so people can focus on the cases that need a human.

01

Independent oversight

Compliance reports to the Board, not to the business lines it reviews. That separation is what lets it say no.

02

Risk-based effort

Scrutiny scales with exposure. Routine activity moves freely; higher-risk relationships get deeper review.

03

Automation first, people on exceptions

Systems screen everything at volume. Specialists spend their time only where a judgement call is required.

04

Culture, not just policy

Every employee is trained to spot and raise risk. Controls hold because the behaviour around them does.

Accountability flows from the top down.

Oversight sets the mandate, commitments translate it into standards, and operational controls put it to work every day.

1Oversight

Board Risk Committee

Sets risk appetite and holds management to account.

Chief Compliance Officer

Owns the programme and reports independently to the Board.

2Commitments

Policies & standards

A documented rulebook reviewed and re-approved annually.

Regulatory engagement

Active dialogue with the CBN, NFIU and data protection authority.

3Operational controls

Monitoring & surveillance

Continuous, automated review of transactions.

Screening & due diligence

Identity, sanctions and counterparty checks.

Reporting & assurance

Regulatory returns and independent testing.

Frameworks, shown in practice.

The obligations are real and external. Here's what each one means and the evidence that we live up to it.

Keeping illicit money out of the system.

We operate to the Central Bank of Nigeria's AML/CFT regulations and report to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit. The programme spans onboarding, monitoring, investigation and disclosure.

  • Risk-scored customer profiles refreshed throughout the relationship
  • Dedicated Financial Intelligence Unit reviewing every alert
  • Suspicious activity reports filed within statutory timelines
100%of high-risk relationships subject to enhanced due diligence.

The same care, pointed at your account.

Everything above protects the system. This part protects you directly — practical guidance you can act on today, with no jargon and nothing to sign up for.

  • We will never call, text or email you to ask for your PIN, password or full card number.
  • Genuine Sterling messages never pressure you to move money "to keep it safe".
  • If something feels off, hang up and call the number on the back of your card.
Visit Fraud & Cyber Safety

One rule defeats most scams

No genuine staff member — from Sterling or anyone else — will ever ask you to share a one-time passcode (OTP). That code is the key to your account.

If a caller asks for it, they are not who they say they are. End the conversation and report it.

Report a suspected scam →

Insights & alerts.

View all →
Scam alert5 Jun 2026

The "your account is compromised" call

A spike in callers posing as the fraud team. Here's the script they use — and where it falls apart.

Guidance28 May 2026

Setting up your account for safety

Five settings that take two minutes each and make your account far harder to take over.

Policy update14 May 2026

What the NDPA means for your data

A plain-language summary of the rights you now hold over the information we keep.

Guidance2 May 2026

Spotting a fake Sterling message

The tells in a spoofed SMS or email, side by side with the real thing.

Document library.

Key policies, notices and reporting channels behind Sterling's compliance programme. Filter to find what you need.

PDFPolicy

Anti-Bribery & Corruption (ABC) Program Policy Statement

Sterling's statement on preventing bribery, corruption and improper business conduct.

Published
PDFPolicy

AML/CFT/CPF & Targeted Financial Sanctions Policy Statement

Policy statement for anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, proliferation financing and sanctions controls.

Link pending
PageProgram

Anti-Fraud Management (Prevention & Detection)

Customer-facing anti-fraud guidance and prevention support.

Published
PDFNotice

AML/CFT/CPF Notice

Public notice on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and counter-proliferation financing obligations.

Published
PageProgram

Whistle-Blowing Program

Confidential channel for raising concerns and reporting wrongdoing.

Published

Have a concern, or just a question? Reach the team directly.

Report a concern Contact Compliance