Branka Mracajac has stepped down as the Chief Executive Officer of 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), bringing an end to a tenure defined by unyielding focus and a deliberate drive for financial inclusion across Nigeria.
In a post shared via her LinkedIn page, Branka Mracajac confirmed her resignation, describing her time at 9PSB as a “chapter” built on both “purpose” and “possibility.”
She wrote, “After 4.5 unforgettable years, I officially concluded my journey with 9 Payment Service Bank… Stepping away was a deeply personal decision – not a light one, but the right one.”
Branka’s resignation is the end of a phase for the digital bank, which was launched with a goal to reach Nigeria’s underserved and unbanked population.
Appointed in November 2020, she was the bank’s first CEO, taking on the challenge of building a digital bank from scratch — during a time of significant regulatory and economic changes in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Her leadership was strategic and assertive. She brought with her extensive experience from Digital Finance International, working across more than 30 markets, and introduced a model of inclusive finance backed by technology, partnerships, and operational reform.
9PSB evolved into an innovative solution within Nigeria’s digital banking space, now serving millions. And despite the sometimes-uneven terrain, Branka kept the vision grounded in impact.
“What we created was more than just a business – it was a mission to drive financial inclusion at scale, expand access, and make a meaningful impact.”
As she exits, Osa Odiase has been named the Acting CEO and is now listed on the company’s website. There’s no official statement yet from 9PSB or its board about the transition, but Odiase aims to maintain the course, though with a new hand on the wheel.
During Branka’s tenure, 9PSB enjoyed the backing of a brilliant board, including Chief Ikenna Kevin Okafor as Chairman, and professionals from diverse backgrounds – investment, law, telecoms, HR, and consulting. These were active advisors impacting the institution’s framework and stability.
Branka’s appointment in 2020 was met with the board betting on her ability to lead a new kind of bank. Back then, Chief Okafor said, “Branka is experienced in business strategy, corporate finance, policy implementation, and risk management. I am certain that she will provide strategic leadership which will facilitate financial inclusion and increase financial payment across all market segments in the urban and rural areas of Nigeria.”
Four and a half years later, that confidence appears to have paid off.
Branka ended her farewell message with the words: “Some doors we walk through. Others we build ourselves – and this time, I’m doing both.”
That says enough.
