StanChart Hosts Finance Session

Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria has reaffirmed its leadership in advancing financial education and professional development with the 2025 edition of its Finance Master Class (FMC) , a flagship knowledge-sharing initiative that continues to shape conversations on the future of finance across West Africa.

The annual programme, which has become a key highlight in the bank’s learning calendar, brings together finance experts and professionals from various departments to exchange insights, explore emerging trends, and discuss innovations redefining the global and regional financial ecosystem. According to a statement released by the bank on Monday, the FMC has evolved into a symbol of professional excellence, combining thought leadership, collaboration, and continuous learning to strengthen capacity within the finance sector.

The Master Class is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and recognised as part of the Institute’s Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) initiative. The long-standing partnership between Standard Chartered and ICAN has set a benchmark for corporate collaboration, creating a platform that unites subject matter experts, promotes high professional standards, and contributes to the advancement of financial practice in Nigeria.

Organised by the bank’s finance division with support from volunteers across its operations, the FMC has steadily expanded its reach and impact over the years. Its growing relevance was globally acknowledged when it received the 2022 Standard Chartered CEO’s Award for the 2021 edition themed “Are You Future Ready?”

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Dayo Omolokun, Executive Director of Standard Chartered Nigeria and Cluster Chief Financial Officer for West Africa, described the FMC as the bank’s premier learning platform designed to empower finance professionals across the region. “The Finance Master Class is our signature development forum for over 150 qualified accountants and finance experts from six West African countries,” Omolokun explained. “It provides an avenue to engage with global thought leaders and explore trends shaping finance, from geopolitical shifts and technological disruptions to evolving accounting standards and the changing nature of work.”

The 2025 edition, themed “Beyond Imagination,” will take place from October 21 to 22, 2025, in a hybrid format, enabling both in-person and virtual participation across the region. Omolokun noted that this year’s theme reflects the bank’s forward-looking vision, particularly as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Open Banking redefine Nigeria’s financial services landscape.

“AI is revolutionising financial decision-making, fraud prevention, and customer service, while Open Banking, set for rollout in 2026, will enhance data transparency and collaboration between banks and fintechs,” Omolokun said. “Together, these forces will transform Nigeria’s financial system beyond imagination.”

The impressive speaker lineup for this year includes Adedeji Olowe, CEO of Lendsqr; Joel Omeike, CEO of P4PE; Lanre Basamta, CEO of Optimus AI Labs; Chijioke Odo, FCA, Partner at Deloitte; and Ade Shokoya, GenAI Trainer and Strategy Consultant. Senior leaders from Standard Chartered, including Chemutai Murgor (CFO, Kenya & Africa), Dalu Ajene (CEO, Nigeria), and Omolokun himself, will also feature prominently.

Over the years, the FMC has hosted an array of influential figures such as Temi Popoola of NGX Group, Dr. Doyin Salami, Dr. Bismarck Rewane, Dr. Sola Adeduntan, Oreoluwa Boboye, Bisi Lamikanra, and Dr. Temitope Oshikoya.

By consistently promoting innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning, Standard Chartered’s Finance Master Class continues to redefine finance education across Nigeria and West Africa,empowering professionals with future-ready skills and reinforcing the bank’s commitment to driving transformation within Africa’s financial ecosystem.