Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria has appointed Ayodeji Adelagun as its Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective January 19, 2026.
The appointment follows the transition of Dalu Ajene from CEO of Nigeria to Africa CEO and Head of Coverage and is aimed at ensuring leadership continuity in the Nigerian market, the bank said.
Adelagun brings over 26 years of experience in the financial services sector, covering financial markets, banking operations, securities and foreign exchange trading, asset and liability management, commercial banking, risk management, as well as credit.
Until he was appointed acting CEO, Adelagun was Executive Director, Financial Markets, a role in which he contributed to enhanced trading liquidity, strengthened risk management practices, and supported the development of local and regional markets.
He joined Standard Chartered in August 2007 as Head of Rates and Credit Trading, where he set up the rates and credit desk. Before then, he worked across banking operations, commercial banking and treasury at Access Bank Plc and previously served at First Securities Discount House Limited, now FSDH Merchant Bank, where he was the pioneer bond dealer and led the bond trading desk.
Standard Chartered Africa CEO, Dalu Ajene, said Adelagun’s appointment reflects the bank’s confidence in his leadership and experience to guide its Nigerian operations at a time when the market remains a priority.
On assuming the role, Adelagun said Nigeria continues to be a priority market for the bank, noting that its recent recapitalisation and refreshed strategy underline that commitment. He added that the bank would continue to support the economy by facilitating foreign portfolio flows and would seek to sustain its leading position in unlocking capital inflows into the country.
Standard Chartered said the appointment aligns with its focus on delivering consistent value and operational effectiveness across its Nigerian operations.
Adelagun added that he had worked closely with Ajene, whose transition from CEO in Nigeria to Africa Cluster CEO ensures a seamless continuation of business momentum in Nigeria.
