Her emergence has been widely described within financial circles as a significant “glass ceiling” moment, underscoring the gradual but steady expansion of gender representation in senior leadership roles across Nigeria’s financial services sector.
The election, conducted by the Institute’s Council, formally positions Ahimie at the helm of one of the country’s most influential professional bodies in investment and securities trading. Her inauguration has been scheduled for June 25, marking the official commencement of her tenure.
She takes over from the outgoing 13th President, Oluropo Dada, whose administration was credited with strengthening institutional reforms, professional training structures, and stakeholder engagement within the stockbroking ecosystem.
In a statement reflecting confidence in the transition, Dada said: “Fiona Ahimie brings proven expertise, strong leadership, and a clear vision for the Institute’s future. I am confident she will build on the progress made and further strengthen the Institute’s role in the financial services sector.”
Ahimie’s ascent follows the CIS succession structure, under which she previously served as 2nd Vice President before moving up to 1st Vice President. Following her elevation, Akeem Oyewale, formerly the 2nd Vice President, has now stepped into the role of 1st Vice President, with the Institute expected to announce a new 2nd Vice President in due course.
Her professional background spans more than 15 years in investment and securities markets. She currently serves as Managing Director of First Securities Brokers Limited, a subsidiary of First Holdco Plc, and has previously held senior roles at Lead Capital, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers, FBNQuest Capital, and African Alliance Securities Nigeria, with responsibilities covering trading, client development, and market strategy.
Academically, she holds an MBA from Lagos Business School and a Diploma from IESE Business School in Spain. Professionally, she is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, alongside memberships in several corporate and professional boards.
The leadership transition was formally acknowledged during the Institute’s 31st Annual General Meeting in Lagos, where Dada used the occasion to thank members for their support and reflect on the achievements of his tenure.
According to him, his administration focused on institutional strengthening and strategic expansion, highlighting milestones such as the implementation of the 2024–2030 Corporate Strategic Plan, upgrades to the CIS diploma programme into the Certified Securities and Investment Support Specialist (CSISS) framework, and increased public engagement through media visibility.
He also referenced progress on the CISIN Bill, restructuring of the Secretariat, debt recovery initiatives, and the successful hosting of the 2025 National Workshop at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. Additionally, he noted efforts in expanding investor engagement and the induction of prominent figures into the Institute.
As he concluded his tenure, members of the Institute reportedly commended his leadership and reforms, setting the stage for Ahimie’s administration to build on the institutional momentum already established.