Quest Merchant Bank Strengthens Governance Structure with Appointment of Ayo Lewis as Risk and Compliance Chief.
Quest Merchant Bank has reinforced its leadership team with the appointment of Andrew Lewis, widely known as Ayo Lewis, as Executive Director for Risk Management and Executive Compliance Officer, in a strategic move aimed at deepening its governance framework and strengthening institutional resilience.
The appointment has already received formal approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria, underscoring regulatory confidence in both the candidate and the bank’s ongoing governance reforms as Nigeria’s financial sector continues to adjust to tightening oversight and macroeconomic pressures.
Lewis joins Quest Merchant Bank after serving as Group Chief Risk Officer at Sterling Financial Holdings Company, bringing with him more than 33 years of experience spanning risk management, commercial banking, and corporate finance. His career has included senior roles across consumer, commercial, and corporate banking segments, giving him a broad operational perspective across the financial services industry.
In a statement issued by the bank on Wednesday, the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Quest Merchant Bank, Afolabi Olorode, described the appointment as a deliberate step towards reinforcing the institution’s governance culture and long-term strategy.
“Ayo’s appointment reflects our deliberate and disciplined approach to building a strong, forward-looking institution anchored on robust governance and sound risk practices. His depth of experience and proven leadership will be instrumental as we continue to execute our strategy,” Olorode said.
He further emphasised the strategic importance of the new executive role in strengthening stakeholder trust and supporting the bank’s growth trajectory.
“His expertise will be instrumental as we continue to execute our strategy and deliver long-term value to our clients and stakeholders,” he added.
According to the bank, Lewis is expected to lead the integration and optimisation of enterprise-wide risk management systems, ensuring that operational growth is matched with strong compliance structures and effective risk controls. His appointment is also expected to enhance the bank’s ability to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment while maintaining profitability and operational efficiency.
The bank highlighted that Lewis’s professional background combines technical expertise in risk management with extensive market-facing experience, positioning him as a key asset in balancing regulatory demands with commercial expansion objectives.
He holds a degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Lagos and has undertaken executive education programmes at globally recognised institutions, including Stanford University and The Wharton School.
The appointment comes at a time when Nigerian merchant banks are intensifying focus on governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks in response to evolving regulatory expectations and broader economic uncertainties affecting the financial sector.