Now an annual highlight in the bank’s learning calendar, the FMC serves as a premier platform for finance professionals, regardless of department, to share insights, explore industry trends, and examine innovations driving both global and regional financial markets. The bank described the initiative as a benchmark for professional excellence, combining thought leadership, collaboration, and continuing education.
Professional Development and Accreditation
Fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the FMC fulfils ICAN’s Mandatory Continuing Professional Development requirements. The partnership between Standard Chartered and ICAN has become a model for professional collaboration, providing high-quality subject matter expertise while advancing the finance profession in Nigeria.
Anchored by the bank’s finance team and supported by volunteers across the organisation, the FMC has grown in both impact and scope. Its excellence was recognised globally when the 2021 edition, themed “Are You Future Ready?,” won the 2022 Standard Chartered CEO’s Award.
Preparing Finance Professionals for the Future
Dayo Omolokun, Executive Director of Standard Chartered Nigeria and Cluster Chief Financial Officer for West Africa, described the FMC as the bank’s signature platform for empowering finance professionals across the region.
“The FMC is our flagship learning platform for over 150 professionally qualified accountants and finance practitioners across six West African countries,” Omolokun said. “Participants engage with industry experts to explore developments shaping the world of finance — from shifts in geo-political economies and technology-driven innovations to new standards in technical accounting and the future of work. The FMC equips finance professionals for the future by enabling them to see the interconnectivity of global and local trends.”
The 2025 edition, themed “Beyond Imagination,” will run from October 21 to 22 in a hybrid format, accommodating both physical and virtual participants across the region. Omolokun explained that the theme reflects how the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Open Banking will transform Nigeria’s financial services landscape.
“AI is already driving smarter decision-making, personalised financial services, efficient fraud detection, and automation — improving customer trust in digital finance,” he said. “With the rollout of Open Banking in 2026, data silos will be dismantled, giving customers more control over their financial information and encouraging collaboration between banks and fintechs. Together, AI and Open Banking will usher in a new era of intelligent, customer-centric financial services in Nigeria.”
A World-Class Speaker Line-Up
This year’s speakers reflect the FMC’s reputation for expertise and diversity. Confirmed speakers include Adedeji Olowe, Founder/CEO of Lendsqr; Joel Omeike, Founder/CEO of P4PE; Lanre Basamta, Co-founder and CEO of Optimus AI Labs; Chijioke Odo, FCA, Partner & West Africa Global Trade Lead at Deloitte; and Ade Shokoya, GenAI Trainer and Strategy Consultant.
Standard Chartered executives will also feature prominently, including Chemutai Murgor, CFO, Kenya and Africa; Dalu Ajene, CEO, Standard Chartered Nigeria; and Dayo Omolokun himself.
Over the years, FMC has hosted an impressive roster of industry leaders and economic thinkers, including Temi Popoola, GMD/CEO of the Nigerian Exchange Group; Dr. Doyin Salami, Economist and former Presidential Economic Adviser; Dr. Bismarck Rewane, CEO, Financial Derivatives Limited; Dr. Sola Adeduntan, former Group Managing Director, First Bank Nigeria; Oreoluwa Boboye, CEO, Jobberman; Bisi Lamikanra, Board Member, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria and former Partner at KPMG; and Dr. Temitope Oshikoya, Chief Economic Strategist, Nextnomics.
Leading Finance Transformation in West Africa
With its focus on innovation, professional development, and collaboration, the Standard Chartered Finance Master Class continues to set the standard for finance education in Nigeria and across West Africa. By equipping professionals with future-ready skills, FMC not only enhances individual careers but also reinforces the bank’s leadership in driving transformation across Africa’s financial ecosystem.