In an era where commercial banking services were in an inchoate stage and striding towards transforming different sectors of the economy, Bank of Abyssinia’s founders believed in the need for a bank that gives comprehensive commercial banking services. Thus, the Bank of Abyssinia (BoA) was open for business in 1996 with enthused initiation and determination. The name Abyssinia resembles bravery and character which are the core attributes of BoA. Its identity is demarcated with a sense of hope, optimism, and belief as it is perfectly displayed in its logo, the Adey Abeba. Adey Abeba brings the promise of a new beginning.

The word "Addis" as part of the name of Addis International Bank S.C. (AdIB) carries double meaning:new ideas/innovations and the first word of the capital city of Ethiopia where the Bank is born to shoulder its historic mission. The new vision and innovative ideas/approaches that were initially brewed in Addis will however be shared to potential customers all over the country through branches that will eventually be opened in the near future.

Ethiopia’s mighty river, the Great Abay, is a dramatic spectacle and a symbol of natural strength and grandeur. It is not only a magnificent sight to visit, but also a river with immense potential for our country’s development. This tremendous natural strength similarly explains why we are named Abay. We are here to foster growth and development by promoting and financing different sectors, thereby generating employment opportunities and accelerating capital formation, by ensuring a safe, stable and sound financial system.

Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE) is a specialized state owned development financial institution, which is supervised by the Public Financial Enterprises Agency in Ethiopia.The Development Bank of Ethiopia was the first development finance institution in Ethiopia and as such it was designed to: "(a) assist in the development of industrial and agricultural production... (and) (b) foster the investment of private capital for productive purposes.

Wegagen Bank SC (Amharic: ወጋገን ባንክ) is a bank in Ethiopia incorporated on 11 June 1997. It came to life as a result of the entrepreneurial wit of sixteen 16 founding members who recognized the critical role that financial institutions would play towards creating a sustained economic development and were able to put in an initial paid-in capital of Birr thirty million (Birr 30 Million).Established under the banking proclamation of Licensing and Supervision, Proclamation No. 84/1994, the Bank was registered with the National Bank of Ethiopia on 30 April 1997.