It is even more obvious now that every click, swipe, and transaction generates data. A lot of product managers will agree that the difference between a product that does very well and one that just fails miserably often hinges on the ability to quickly and efficiently turn the immense raw data into insights capable of driving decisions

My role at Access Bank PlC where I was part of the team behind the rise of QuickBucks, a lending platform created for SMEs, showed me that tools like Power Bi and Tableau if used effectively can guide teams through the complexities of user behaviour, market dynamics, and operational efficiency.

I remember QuickBucks in particular as it was quite challenging. My team and I saw that the adoption rates were quite low despite the growing demand for SME loans and that was the unique challenge.

We could go the traditional route that suggested that we expand our marketing spend and do more advertising but we had a more radical solution because using Power BI we dissected the user journey and noticed that there was a drop-off rate mostly in a particular stage in the application process.

The team at Access Bank was so focused on getting some clarity in the process and utilized analytics in achieving this.

We used Tableau to understanding the creditworthiness of the SMEs that applied for loans. Traditional models worked by examining the financial transactions and histories of SMEs that applied for its loan facility and this shut down diverse businesses that should have tried if they had access to more capital.

However we used Tableau visualizations to explore alternative data such as social media engagement, supply chain partnerships and transaction frequency to build machine learning models that accessed risks holistically.

The impact was huge we were able to expand the reach of the QuickBucks application which meant we were able to grant loans to 12,000+ previously excluded SMEs.

The dashboards also empowered stakeholders: Executives tracked portfolio health in real-time, while compliance teams monitored fraud patterns.

Data wasn’t just a tool; it became a universal language aligning cross-functional teams around shared objectives.

The strategic alignment of data determines its actual value as an organizational asset. We employed Power BI to set KPIs for QuickBucks’ Instant Business Loan launch which directly supported the bank’s target of digital dominance in the Nigerian market.

Our ability to change the system repeatedly depended on real-time tracking of approval speed together with disbursement performance and customer satisfaction levels. When initial data showed a decline in repeat applications, user feedback analysis uncovered frustration with opaque repayment terms.

A solution to this issue was the integration of calculators with adaptable repayment solutions within the user interface framework.

The feature enhanced repeat engagement during its first six weeks while funding ₦2.8 billion in loans which translated into a growth in quarter-over-quarter revenue.

Actionable insights also demand foresight. Following our product release date we put predictive analytics methods into action to forecast market developments.

Tableau’s forecasting analysis demonstrated to us that agricultural SMEs request loans in seasons of increased activity.

We pre-approved credit limits to target our agricultural SME customers before planting seasons which resulted in acquiring 30% of this target segment during one year.

The analysis of user churn patterns let us identify users who were at risk so we could take preventive measures such as extending payment flexibility which cut down on defaults

Data-driven management instead enhances human intuition rather than eliminating it. The critical objective at Access Bank required organizations to implement analytics as a means to augment human decision-making capabilities.

Food processing startup models pointed to high risk because of unstable cash flow but customer interviews showed their customer loyalty together with their patented recipes.

The pilot loan we provided was repaid early by them in six months and evolved into an acclaimed success story. This synergy of data and empathy underscores a vital lesson: Numbers guide, but context decides.

Today, as AI and real-time analytics redefine possibilities, the next frontier is personalization. Imagine platforms that don’t just respond to user behaviour but anticipate needs—like offering microloans ahead of cash flow crunches or adjusting interest rates based on real-time market risks.

At QuickBucks, early experiments with AI-driven recommendations increased cross-sell rates, hinting at a future where products evolve with users.

For product managers, the mandate is clear: Harness analytics not as a rearview mirror, but as a headlight. Tools like Power BI and Tableau are more than visualization engines—they’re bridges connecting raw data to strategic action. In the hands of teams willing to ask the right questions, they transform uncertainty into opportunity, one insight at a time.

*Razzaq Onotu is a fintech product leader with a track record of leveraging data-driven strategies to scale digital solutions. His work at Access Bank PLC and Sendbox has driven over $150M in revenue impact, blending analytics with user-centric innovation. 

The Conference took a bold stance on gender equality and women’s empowerment, bringing together industry and government leaders to emphasize the need for breaking barriers and fostering economic inclusion for women across Africa.

Among the distinguished speakers were; Bolaji Agbede, Access Holdings’ acting managing director, Mutale Nalumango, Zambia’s vice president, and Dahlia Khalifa, IFC’s regional director.

In celebration of remarkable female leaders, the bank also introduced ‘The Power of 100,’ a prestigious recognition of trailblazing women whose resilience, passion, and dedication serve as an inspiration for future generations.

Addressing the IWD theme, ‘Accelerate Action, Inspiring Generations,’ Agbede, in her opening remarks, delivered a powerful message on dismantling gender biases and investing in women.

She highlighted the story of Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot, who defied societal expectations that sought to limit her aspirations.

“Today is about breaking barriers,” Agbede stated. “It is about ensuring that no woman or girl is ever told certain dreams are beyond her reach. We must rewrite the narrative so that future generations never doubt their place in boardrooms, laboratories, leadership, or any space they choose to occupy.”

She further emphasiSed Access Bank’s commitment to women’s empowerment, stating: “At Access, we do not just believe in empowering women; we invest in it.

“Through The W Initiative, we have facilitated access to finance, mentorship, and business support for women across Africa.” Agbede, acknowledged the achievements of ‘The Power of 100’ awardees, commending their contributions as a source of inspiration. “

Your accomplishments illuminate what is possible when talent meets opportunity,” she said. In her goodwill message, Zambia’s Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, underscored the transformative power of gender equality. “When women rise, nations rise,” she proclaimed.

“We are here because we believe that empowering women will change our nations.” She highlighted the persistent challenges facing African women, including limited access to education, workplace inequality, and underrepresentation in leadership.

“We must address these gaps to enable all women to shape our society fully,” she stated. Nalumango praised Access Bank for recognising 100 exceptional women. “The potential of women is immense when they claim their space,” she said. “Initiatives like the Power of 100 Africa under the W Initiative are crucial in inspiring the next generation of female leaders.”

Dahlia Khalifa, IFC’s regional director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, highlighted the economic benefits of gender inclusion, emphasising IFC’s longstanding partnership with Access Bank to bridge financial gaps for women.

“Access Bank is one of IFC’s most committed partners, with a relationship spanning over two decades,” she noted. “Together, we have gone beyond financing to provide strategic advisory services tailored to women-led businesses.”

Khalifa, cited Access Bank’s W Initiative as a key driver of financial empowerment.

“Since its inception, this initiative has mobilised over N370 billion in financing, reaching approximately four million women-owned SMEs and individuals,” she revealed.

The offering represents a first of its kind in Africa, and the second Green Bond Issuance by Access Bank, following its debut Naira Green Bond Issuance in 2019.

This innovative puttable Green private placement for Access Bank is a 5-year Senior Unsecured Note (Reg S) issued under Access Bank’s US$1.5 billion Global Medium-Term Note Programme and is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.

The Bond was issued with a coupon of 5.50% in the first two years and then steps up (on the put option date) to 7.25% in the last 3 years to maturity, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears.

This innovative structure enabled Access Bank Plc to achieve an attractive pricing, with a blended average cost of funding below of fair value, amidst the rising and volatile interest rate environment.

The net proceeds from the issuance of the Bond, will be used by Access Bank for the financing or refinancing, in part or in full, new and/or existing projects and/or assets meeting the eligibility criteria set out in the Bank’s Green Financing Framework dated 18 November 2021, on which S&P Global Ratings has provided a second party opinion.

This deal was solely originated, executed and led by Standard Chartered, with our sustainable finance team working with Access Bank to establish a Green bond framework.

Mr. Olukorede Adenowo, Standard Chartered’ s Executive Director, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking, Nigeria & West Africa, noted that “Standard Chartered is proud to once again partner with Access Bank on this momentous transaction. The success of this issuance continues to demonstrate investors’ confidence in Access’s strategy as a leading banking group out of Africa. We work with our clients across Africa to deliver on their growth aspirations and also use our market leading position in the international bond markets and sustainable financing space to drive inclusive growth and development in Africa. “

Standard Chartered Bank has led and served as Joint Lead Manager on almost all Eurobond transactions by banks in Sub Saharan Africa since 2017, underscoring its unparalleled leadership in the space.