Standard Chartered Bank has appointed Ayodeji “Deji” Adelagun as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of its Nigerian operations, marking a leadership transition aimed at ensuring continuity and sustained growth in the country.
Adelagun brings more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry, with a career spanning financial markets, banking operations, securities and foreign exchange trading, asset and liability management, commercial banking, risk management and credit. He has spent over 19 years with Standard Chartered, rising through the ranks and playing key roles in shaping the bank’s market strategy in Nigeria.
The bank described the appointment as a reflection of its commitment to internal leadership development and stability, while reinforcing confidence among stakeholders in the Nigerian financial sector. According to the bank’s Africa leadership, Adelagun’s deep market knowledge, leadership track record and strategic insight position him well to steer operations during this period.
Before his appointment, Adelagun served as Executive Director, Financial Markets, where he was credited with strengthening trading liquidity, embedding strong risk management practices and contributing to the development of local and regional financial markets. His work helped enhance the bank’s competitiveness and operational resilience.
Speaking on the new role, Adelagun said he was honoured to lead the bank’s strategic agenda in Nigeria, describing the country as a priority market. He noted that recent recapitalisation efforts and a refreshed business strategy underscore the bank’s long-term commitment to Nigeria. He said the bank would continue to facilitate foreign portfolio inflows, support economic growth and maintain its leading role in unlocking investment flows into the country.
He added that customer needs would remain central to the bank’s operations, with a strong focus on exceeding expectations through innovative and tailored solutions. Adelagun highlighted cross-border transaction capabilities, as well as the bank’s wealth and affluent banking offerings, as key pillars of its competitive advantage and growth strategy.
Adelagun joined Standard Chartered in 2007 as Head of Rates and Credit Trading, where he established and led the rates and credit trading desk. Prior to that, he worked across banking operations, commercial banking and treasury functions at Access Bank. He also previously worked at FSDH, where he pioneered the bond trading desk.
He takes over from Dalu Ajene, who recently assumed a broader leadership role overseeing the bank’s Africa operations. Adelagun said the transition ensures continuity, noting that he had worked closely with Ajene and would continue to rely on the guidance of a strong and diverse board.
Adelagun holds a degree in Economics from the University of Ilorin, an MBA from Lagos Business School and has completed executive management programmes at leading international institutions. He is also a senior member of professional banking and financial market bodies, with multiple leadership and executive certifications.
