Adanne Anene is an experienced product management professional with over a decade of expertise in driving digital innovation in the financial technology sector.
She has held leadership roles at top organizations such as Branch International, VFD Tech Limited, and United Bank for Africa, where she led initiatives ranging from mobile banking innovations to the launch of digital banking solutions.
Adanne is recognized for her proficiency in product strategy, team leadership, and designing user-centered solutions that balance practicality with innovation. With a track record of transformative achievements, she is a thought leader in creating accessible, secure, and efficient financial tools.
TE: Can you share the highlights of your journey into product management?
Adanne Anene: My journey began with an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics, where I developed a strong foundation in understanding systems and resource optimization.
This background seamlessly transitioned into my career in financial technology, where I realized the potential to streamline processes and create user-centric solutions.
Over the years, I’ve managed transformative projects, such as launching the new UBA Mobile App interface in 2020.
This new App introduced lots of exciting and interactive features to aid banking, giving a facelift to the existing mobile app while allowing customers to perform unlimited transactions from the comfort of their mobile phones.
It’s been an incredible experience using technology to make financial tools more accessible and impactful.
TE: What’s been your most impactful project, and why?
Adanne Anene: One project that stands out is leading the launch of Branch International’s wallet product in Kenya. This initiative transformed Branch into a full digital bank, providing users with an all-in-one financial solution.
The challenge was to ensure the product balanced simplicity and compliance while meeting user expectations. Within months, it became a game-changer, improving user engagement and financial inclusion. Witnessing its impact reaffirmed my belief in building products that resonate with users’ real-world needs.
TE: How do you approach innovation in highly regulated industries like financial technology?
Adanne Anene: Innovating in regulated industries requires striking the right balance between creativity and compliance. At Branch, for instance, I am currently managing mobile banking products under strict regulatory constraints.
Instead of viewing regulations as limitations, I treated them as a framework for innovative problem-solving. My approach involves close collaboration with compliance teams and designing scalable solutions that respect regulatory boundaries while delivering exceptional user experiences.
TE: How do you ensure user satisfaction when developing digital products?
Adanne Anene: User satisfaction starts with listening. I actively engage in user research, leveraging data, feedback, and direct interactions to understand pain points. For example, when developing the Branch Wallet, we prioritized ease of navigation and quick transaction processes based on user feedback. Combining these insights with rigorous testing ensures we deliver products that users find intuitive and valuable.
TE: Can you discuss your experience leading cross-functional teams?
Adanne Anene: Leading cross-functional teams is one of my favorite aspects of product management. At Branch International, I worked with teams spread across continents, navigating time zones and diverse work cultures. I emphasize clear communication, collaborative goal-setting, and empathy to foster alignment. It’s about ensuring everyone feels valued while staying focused on delivering impactful results.
TE: What role does data play in your decision-making process?
Adanne Anene: Data is central to everything I do. At VFD Tech, I used data to segment customers, refine product offerings, and analyze performance metrics. This approach allowed us to design targeted solutions that drove adoption and retention. Whether it involves user feedback, market trends, or operational metrics, data informs strategy, validates decisions, and identifies areas for improvement.
TE: What do you consider your biggest achievement in mobile banking innovation?
Adanne Anene: At UBA, I led the redesign of the mobile app, significantly improving the user experience. Within six months, the app’s monthly revenue grew from ₦180 million to over ₦1 billion.
This milestone earned me recognition from the UBA Executive Management. It’s an achievement I’m proud of because it demonstrates how user-centered design can directly drive business success.
TE: How do you stay ahead of trends in financial technology?
Adanne Anene: Continuous learning is essential. I’ve earned certifications in Digital Money from the Digital Frontiers Institute and Certified Product Manager (CPM) from the Association of International Product Marketing & Management (AIPMM).
I also stay engaged with industry developments through thought leadership platforms and communities. This proactive approach ensures I’m always equipped to navigate emerging trends and challenges.
TE: How do you balance technical and business needs in product management?
Adanne Anene: Balancing technical and business needs requires collaboration with both teams. It’s about understanding the technical constraints while also aligning with business objectives. Throughout my career, I have worked to create a middle ground that ensures innovative solutions meet market demands and operational feasibility.
TE: Thank you for your time and sharing this much of your journey with us.
Adanne Anene: Thanks to the team at Techeconomy for all you do in the ecosystem. You are changing the narratives with your insightful reporting.
