In a decisive move that underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in continental banking leadership, Dalu Ajene, formerly CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered’s operations across Africa, with added responsibilities as Head of Coverage for the region.
Ajene’s elevation marks both a personal milestone and a statement of confidence in Nigeria’s financial talent.
Since taking the helm of Standard Chartered Nigeria in April 2024, he led the bank to strong year-on-year performance, including meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ₦200 billion recapitalisation requirement ahead of the March 2026 deadline, a feat that demonstrated strategic execution under pressure.
“Having had the privilege of leading Standard Chartered Nigeria over the past two years, I am deeply honoured to now take on broader responsibilities across Africa,” Ajene said in a statement on his appointment. “This transition reflects the strength of our franchise, the resilience of our teams, and the impact we have delivered in a period of significant change and development.”
From National to Continental Leadership
Ajene’s career trajectory has been rooted in banking excellence. Prior to joining Standard Chartered, he was CEO of Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria, and his professional journey spans major global financial centres, bringing both international experience and local insight to his new role.
In his new position, Ajene will oversee a broad portfolio that spans Standard Chartered’s business across Africa, driving growth in Corporate & Investment Banking, Wealth, and Retail operations, while strengthening the bank’s footprint in trade finance, structured solutions, and development finance.
“Across the region, Standard Chartered remains a key partner … leveraging technology to deliver client-centric services anchored on trust,” he added, signalling his strategic focus on innovation and customer value.
A Strategic Shift with Local Foundations
Ajene’s promotion also aligns with leadership continuity in Nigeria: Ayodeji “Deji” Adelagun, a seasoned banker with over 26 years of experience and nearly two decades at Standard Chartered, has been appointed Acting CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria.
This move ensures operational continuity while the bank broadens its strategic reach across the continent.
Adelagun brings deep expertise in financial markets, trading, and risk management, skills he honed over years working across banking operations and securities trading. On assuming the acting CEO role, he said he was “deeply honoured to lead the bank’s strategic agenda in Nigeria at this pivotal time,” with Nigeria remaining a priority market under his leadership.
What This Means for African Banking
Ajene’s new role reflects Standard Chartered’s long-term faith in Nigeria’s leadership capabilities and the country’s importance within its African strategy.
As banks across the continent navigate a mix of regulatory changes, capital requirements and digital transformation, having an experienced Nigerian at the helm of continental operations sends a powerful message about the depth of local executive capability in the global finance ecosystem.
Under his leadership, Standard Chartered aims to accelerate growth, mobilise capital, and create sustainable value for clients, stakeholders, and the communities it serves, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa’s dynamic and diverse markets.
