Dalu Ajene: Newly appointed Africa’s CEO of Standard Chartered Bank

Standard Chartered has appointed Dalu Ajene as the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank’s operations in Africa, with dual responsibilities as the head of Coverage for Africa.

Dalu Ajene is a towering figure in the financial landscape of Africa, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer for Africa at Standard Chartered Bank. Under his leadership as CEO of Standard Chartered Nigeria, he is credited with leading the Bank to achieve strong year on year financial performance, including meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation requirement of N200 billion for national commercial banks ahead of the March 2026 deadline.

A Visionary Leader in African Finance
With a career spanning over two decades, Ajene has navigated the complexities of global investment banking, corporate finance, and executive leadership, consistently driving growth in emerging markets. His expertise in Sub-Saharan Africa, combined with skills in executive management, business transformation, and board governance, has positioned him as a key architect of financial innovation on the continent. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, Ajene’s journey reflects a blend of international exposure and deep-rooted commitment to African economic development, making him a pivotal influencer in the region’s banking sector.

Foundations in Global Investment Banking
Ajene’s professional odyssey began in the bustling financial hubs of the United States, where he honed his analytical acumen as an Investment Banking Analyst at Bear Stearns & Co. in the Greater New York City Area. This early role immersed him in high-stakes deal-making and market analysis, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors. He then transitioned to the African Capital Alliance in Nigeria as a Private Equity Associate, where he delved into investment opportunities across the continent, gaining invaluable insights into local markets and private equity dynamics. These formative years were followed by stints as an Investment Banking Associate at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and as an Investment Officer at Prudential Capital Group, further sharpening his skills in financial services and deal structuring on a global scale.

Deepening Roots in African Corporate Finance
Returning to Nigeria in 2009, Ajene took on the role of Business Development Director and Head of Corporate Finance at Rand Merchant Bank, a position he held until 2014 in Lagos. This five-year tenure allowed him to spearhead corporate finance initiatives, fostering partnerships and investments that bolstered Nigeria’s economic framework. His leadership in this capacity emphasized strategic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, blending local knowledge with international best practices. This period marked a significant shift toward specialized roles in African markets, where Ajene’s ability to navigate regulatory environments and drive business transformation became evident, setting the stage for his ascent into higher executive positions.

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Expanding Influence Across Continents
Ajene’s career trajectory gained international momentum as he assumed the role of Managing Director for Corporate and Investment Banking, Head of Anglophone Africa at BNP Paribas , based in Bahrain, while overseeing African operations. This was followed by his appointment as Managing Director for Africa at Credit Suisse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he managed pan-African strategies amid global economic shifts. Returning to Rand Merchant Bank, he served as Deputy CEO and Head of Investment Banking for West Africa in Lagos, before advancing to Group Head of Coverage in South Africa. These roles underscored his prowess in investment banking, leadership, and cross-border collaborations, as he led teams through complex transactions and market expansions, solidifying his reputation as a transformative force in financial services.

Pinnacle of Leadership at Standard Chartered
In November 2022, Ajene stepped into the Chief Executive Officer position at RMB Nigeria, a role he held until April 2024 in Lagos, where he steered the organization through a period of strategic evolution. Today, as CEO for Africa at Standard Chartered Bank since April 2024, based in Lagos, he continues to lead with a focus on sustainable growth, innovation in financial services, and empowerment of Sub-Saharan markets. His tenure emphasizes executive management and board-level decision-making, drawing on a rich tapestry of experiences to address challenges like economic volatility and digital transformation. Ajene’s leadership not only drives Standard Chartered’s African ambitions but also inspires the next generation of financial professionals, embodying a career dedicated to bridging global finance with African potential.

Speaking on his appointment, Dalu said, “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. 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. Across the region, Standard Chartered remains a key partner in trade finance, structured solutions, and development finance, leveraging technology to deliver client-centric services anchored on trust. I look forward to working closely with our experienced teams across Africa to accelerate growth across our Corporate & Investment Banking and Wealth & Retail businesses, mobilise catalytic capital, and create sustainable value for our clients, stakeholders, and the communities we serve.”