By Iroyin Yoruba Television
LAGOS, Nigeria — October 23, 2026
Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria has confirmed Ayodeji Adelagun as its Chief Executive Officer following regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria, formalising his leadership of the bank after several months as acting chief executive.
Adelagun, widely known as Deji, has served in the acting role since January 2026. His confirmation places an experienced banking and financial-markets executive at the head of the bank’s Nigerian operations as it seeks to deepen customer relationships and expand its business connections across international markets.
He has more than 26 years of experience in banking and financial markets across Africa. He joined Standard Chartered in 2007 and has held a range of senior positions within the institution, including Executive Director and Head of Markets for Nigeria and Africa, as well as Head of Rates and Credit Trading for West Africa.
He also serves as chairman of the board of Standard Chartered Capital and Advisory Nigeria and has held the position of Head of Markets for Africa. Earlier in his career, he worked in banking operations, commercial banking and treasury at Access Bank.
The appointment comes as Nigerian financial institutions operate in an environment shaped by economic reforms, changing investment conditions and businesses’ demand for international financial services. Banks with cross-border networks can play a role in facilitating trade, supporting corporate transactions and connecting local companies with investors and markets abroad.
Adelagun said Nigeria remained a significant long-term opportunity for the bank. He indicated that his priorities would include strengthening client relationships, pursuing disciplined and sustainable growth, and using the institution’s international network to provide greater value to customers.
He also said the bank would work to connect Nigerian businesses and investors with opportunities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and other markets. The strategy includes supporting capital flows and investment into Nigeria.
His professional background includes work in the development of Nigeria’s domestic capital market. The bank said he led a workstream that introduced benchmark bonds in the country, an initiative it described as contributing to the development of the domestic bond market and supporting Nigeria’s inclusion in the JPMorgan Emerging Markets Index.
He also pioneered bond-trading desks at FSDH and Standard Chartered. His experience spans financial markets, trading, corporate banking and advisory-related responsibilities.
Adelagun holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Ilorin and an MBA from Lagos Business School. He has also completed executive education at IESE Business School and INSEAD and is a fellow of several professional financial and banking associations.
His confirmation provides continuity for the bank’s leadership after the acting appointment that began earlier in the year. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s approval was a necessary regulatory step before the appointment could be finalised.
The immediate challenge for the new chief executive will be to translate the bank’s stated priorities into measurable results for customers and the wider economy. Business clients will be watching for effective financial services, reliable support for cross-border transactions and access to products that meet their financing and investment needs.
While the appointment establishes Adelagun’s position as chief executive, the bank has not announced a specific new investment programme or quantified expansion target as part of the confirmation. Its future performance will depend on its business decisions, market conditions and the results it delivers for clients.
For Nigeria’s financial sector, the appointment highlights the continuing importance of experienced leadership as banks navigate regulatory requirements and seek opportunities to support trade, investment and economic activity.