Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited ([https://www.sc.com/ng/](https://www.sc.com/ng/)) confirmed that Ayodeji Adelagun will take up the role of Chief Executive Officer after receiving the required sign‑off from the Central Bank of Nigeria ([https://cbn.gov.ng/](https://cbn.gov.ng/)). The appointment, made public in October 2026, ends a period in which Adelagun had been serving as acting CEO since January of the same year.
Key details of the appointment include:
- Adelagun’s banking career spans more than 26 years across Africa, with a focus on financial markets and treasury operations.
- He joined Standard Chartered in 2007 and has held senior posts such as Executive Director and Head of Markets for Nigeria and Africa, as well as Head of Rates and Credit Trading for West Africa.
- He also chairs Standard Chartered Capital and Advisory Nigeria and leads the bank’s Africa Markets division.
- In a statement, Adelagun highlighted Nigeria’s importance as a long‑term growth market for the bank and outlined his priorities for the next phase of operations.
**What did Adelagun say about the new role?**
Adelagun remarked, “Nigeria represents a significant long‑term opportunity for Standard Chartered, and our ambition is to build on the strength of our franchise to deliver even greater value for our clients and the wider economy.” He added that his focus will be on deepening client relationships, pursuing disciplined and sustainable growth, and leveraging the bank’s global network to benefit Nigerian customers.
**What are Adelagun’s notable industry contributions?**
A Fellow of the Financial Markets Dealers Association ([https://www.fmda.org.ng/](https://www.fmda.org.ng/)), Adelagun led the workstream that introduced benchmark bonds in Nigeria, a move that helped broaden the domestic bond market and secured the country’s inclusion in the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Index. He also pioneered bond‑trading desks at both First City Monument Bank (FSDH) and Standard Chartered.
Earlier in his career, Adelagun gained experience in banking operations, commercial banking, and treasury functions at Access Bank Plc, further rounding out his expertise in the Nigerian financial sector.
The appointment signals Standard Chartered’s confidence in the Nigerian market and its intention to expand its footprint by tapping into the bank’s extensive international capabilities.