STANDARD CHARTERED BANK CONFIRMS AYODEJI ADELAGUN AS ITS NEW CEO
Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited has confirmed Ayodeji Adelagun as its chief executive officer following approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Adelagun, who has served as acting CEO since January 19, 2026, assumed the role after Dalu Ajene moved from leading the bank’s Nigerian operations to become Standard Chartered’s Africa CEO and Head of Coverage. His confirmation formalises the leadership transition.
Before becoming acting CEO, Adelagun was the bank’s executive director responsible for financial markets. He joined Standard Chartered in August 2007 as Head of Rates and Credit Trading, having previously worked in banking operations, commercial banking, and treasury at Access Bank Plc, as well as at First Securities Discount House, now FSDH Merchant Bank.
He has more than 26 years of experience in financial services, spanning financial markets, foreign exchange trading, securities, risk management, and commercial banking. He also serves as chairman of the board of Standard Chartered Capital and Advisory Nigeria and as Head of Markets for Africa.
In comments reported following his confirmation, Adelagun said Nigeria remained a significant long-term market for the bank and outlined plans to strengthen client relationships, pursue sustainable growth and connect Nigerian businesses and investors to opportunities in international markets.
“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 said.
The bank’s strategy in Nigeria includes connecting local businesses and investors with opportunities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and other international markets.
Adelagun holds a degree in Economics from the University of Ilorin and an MBA from Lagos Business School. He has also completed the Executive Management Programme at IESE Business School and undertaken executive education at INSEAD.
His confirmation comes as Standard Chartered continues to serve corporate and institutional clients in Nigeria through its international banking and financial markets network.