Standard Chartered Nigeria names Ayodeji Adelagun Acting CEO

Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria has appointed Ayodeji “Deji” Adelagun as Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective January 19, 2026.

The move follows Dalu Ajene’s elevation to Chief Executive Officer for Africa and Head of Coverage at Standard Chartered, ensuring seamless leadership continuity in one of the bank’s key markets.

The appointment underscores the bank’s commitment to internal talent development and operational stability in Nigeria, a priority market for Standard Chartered. Adelagun, who brings more than 26 years of extensive experience in financial services, has been with the bank since August 2007.

Before assuming this role, he served as Executive Director for Financial Markets, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing trading liquidity, refining risk management frameworks, and supporting the growth of local and regional markets.

Adelagun’s career journey includes establishing the rates and credit trading desk at Standard Chartered upon joining. Before that, he held positions in banking operations, commercial banking, and treasury at Access Bank Plc, and he was a pioneer bond dealer and head of the bond trading desk at First Securities Discount House Limited (now FSDH Merchant Bank).

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In a statement, Dalu Ajene, now leading Standard Chartered’s Africa operations, expressed strong confidence in Adelagun’s capabilities. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ayodeji ‘Deji’ Adelagun as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited,” Ajene said. “His leadership and deep experience will guide our Nigerian operations at a time when the market remains a priority for the bank.”

Adelagun, who has worked closely with Ajene, emphasized the bank’s ongoing dedication to Nigeria. “Nigeria continues to be a priority market for Standard Chartered,” he stated. “Our recent recapitalisation and refreshed strategy underline this commitment. We will continue to support the economy by facilitating foreign portfolio flows and sustaining our leading position in unlocking capital inflows into the country.”

The bank highlighted that Adelagun’s appointment aligns with its broader focus on delivering consistent value and operational effectiveness in Nigeria, reinforcing stakeholder confidence amid the leadership transition. The change is seen as a natural progression that maintains business momentum while positioning the institution for sustained growth in the region.