Victor EzejaTop leaders, members of the academic community, and other stakeholders in the banking, finance, and fintech sectors will converge in London from April 24–26, 2025, for the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), 2025 International Banking and Finance Conference.
The Conference, which is one of the biggest gatherings of banking and finance professionals in the UK and is set to take place at the Hilton London Canary Wharf. The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), in association with its United Kingdom Branch, is organising the event.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe conference’s theme, “Enhancing Forex Liquidity Through Export Diversification: The Role of the Banking Sector,” emphasises the importance of export diversification and the strategic role that the banking industry can play in increasing foreign exchange inflows, lowering an excessive reliance on oil revenues, and ensuring a sustainable economic future.
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Every two years, the event provides a forum for knowledge exchange, thought leadership, and solution-based discussions for all parties involved in the financial services sector, including regulators, operators, clients, academics, and policymakers. It provides a platform for industry practitioners and thought leaders to share experiences, exchange ideas, and present realistic views on contemporary issues affecting the sector and the larger economy.
The following dignitaries are expected to attend: His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, HCIB, Executive Governor, Cross River State; His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, FCIB, Executive Governor, Lagos State; Dr. Yemi Cardoso, FCIB, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria; Mr. Hassan Bello, FCIB, Managing Director/CEO, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), and many others.
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The Chief Host of the Conference is Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, Ph.D, FCIB, President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, while the Host is Mr. Ben Anwuri, FCIB, Chairman, CIBN United Kingdom Branch.
Among the confirmed speakers are Mr. Babatunde Olofin, MD/CEO, Moniepoint Microfinance Bank Ltd; Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, CON, FCIB, MD/CEO, Premium Trust Bank; Mr. Musa Haruna, HCIB, MD/CEO, Jaiz Bank Plc; Mr. Abiodun Fashagba, HCIB, MD/Head, Client Management, Middle East, Pakistan & Africa, Standard Chartered Bank DIFC; Mr. Olukorede Adenowo, FCIB, Chief Executive, FBN UK; and Mr. Udu Ovbiagde, MD/CEO, Zenith Bank UK.
Day 1 of the Conference will feature a special training session in collaboration with Grant Thornton UK, along with two business sessions. Topics for the special training session include:
- Cyber, Digital Risks and Opportunities in Banking
- Understanding Relevant Compliance and Regulatory Considerations to Minimize Risks in a Digital Banking Era
- Governance and Board Decision Making
- Artificial Intelligence in Financial Services
- Bank CEOs Roundtable
Day 2 will feature business sessions on the following themes:
- The Role of the Banking & Finance Sector in Financing Export-Oriented Industries
- Leveraging Digital Platforms for Efficient Export Financing
Day 3 will include a guided sightseeing tour of key financial sectors in London in the morning, followed by a Closing Dinner and Gala Night. The Special Guest Speaker for the Gala Night is Mr. Clive Carpenter, FCIB, C.Dir, Chairman, Longitude Capital Limited (Kenya); Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, UBA UK; and Deputy Chairman, Business Council for Africa. He will speak on the topic: “The Future of Banking—Rapid Transformation or Obsolescence?”
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CIBN said resolutions from the Conference will be shared with relevant stakeholders and policymakers to enable the realignment of strategies and policies in line with the insights from the event.
According to Mr. Bayo Fagbenro, Chairman, Organising Committee and 1st Vice Chairman of the CIBN UK Branch, the event is poised to make history as one of the largest gatherings of banking professionals in the United Kingdom and globally.
He encouraged interested participants from Nigeria, UK, and other countries to register for the Conference through the official website http://ukbranch.cibng.org/.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
