The Africa Tech Alliance Forum has named Racheal Bukola Akinloye as the AfriTech Excellence Award (ATAEx) Winner in Financial Regulatory Compliance and AML Enforcement 2024.
The announcement came after a rigorous, months-long nomination and screening process that drew ten highly qualified nominees across Africa.
Following detailed evaluations and committee deliberations, Akinloye emerged as the standout candidate, recognized for her exceptional contributions to financial regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering (AML) enforcement, and corporate law.
The award was presented on November 7, 2024, at the prestigious Africa Tech Alliance Excellence Awards (ATAEx) held at Oriental Hotels, Lekki, Lagos.
Organizers, including the TechCastle Foundation in partnership with Techeconomy, emphasized that this category honors professionals who have significantly impacted the financial and regulatory landscape, paving the way for Africa’s digital economy.
“This recognition reflects not only Akinloye’s outstanding expertise and leadership but also her distinguished reputation, delivery, and versatility in advancing compliance and governance practices in the financial sector,” said the award committee.
A Career Rooted in Excellence
Racheal Bukola Akinloye’s professional journey exemplifies the blend of legal expertise and regulatory compliance mastery that the award celebrates.
A Nigerian-trained lawyer and Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, she completed her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) with distinction at Obafemi Awolowo University, followed by her Barrister-at-Law (B.L.) qualification at the Nigerian Law School.
Most recently, Akinloye earned her LL.M. in Business and Finance Law from The George Washington University Law School in 2024, where she was awarded both the George Washington Law School Merit Scholarship and the Gupta Scholarship. Her academic and professional trajectory reflects a deep engagement with financial regulation, corporate compliance, and cross-border fintech challenges.
Professionally, she has distinguished herself across banking, finance, and legal practice. At Bonajo Badejo & Co., she worked as an Associate in the Banking and Compliance Unit, representing clients in high-profile disputes while drafting and negotiating critical transactional documents.
Also conducting KYC reviews, transaction monitoring, and regulatory compliance oversight. Her early career at Olaniwun Ajayi LP as a Regulatory Compliance Intern laid a strong foundation in due diligence and corporate governance.
By late 2024, Akinloye expanded her impact internationally, joining the Onero Institute as a Relationship Specialist and Researcher, where she analyzed data, tracked KPIs, and produced research on U.S. financial regulations, fintech operations, and AML/BSA frameworks.
She also actively contributed as a volunteer at the World Bank IFC Conference in 2024, reinforcing her role as a global voice on governance and compliance.
Thought Leadership and Advocacy
Beyond her professional practice, Akinloye is an active member of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), the American Bar Association, and the Anti-Corruption and Advocacy Network.
Her publications, including Cross-Border Financial Data Sharing in Fintech: Legal and Operational Challenges and The Economic Toll of Financial Crimes: Analyzing the $3.1 Trillion Impact on Global Markets,demonstrate her authority in shaping discourse on compliance, financial integrity, and the future of digital economies.
Recognition of Impact
The AfriTech Excellence Award underscores her pivotal role in bridging legal, financial, and compliance sectors. The rigorous selection process, which included a thorough review of nominees’ work and contributions, culminated in her recognition as the most deserving candidate among her peers.
With this award, Akinloye solidifies her standing as a leading business and corporate law professional whose work continues to influence financial regulation and governance practices in Africa and beyond.
Congratulations to Racheal Bukola Akinloye for this landmark achievement.
