Dr. Stanley Jacob has been inaugurated as the new president of the Fintech Association of Nigeria, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s financial technology landscape. The inauguration, which took place during the closing ceremony of Nigeria Fintech Week, saw key players from the financial and technology sectors gather to witness the formal introduction of the new government council.
In his inaugural speech, Dr. Jacob expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead, paying tribute to those who have supported him throughout his journey, including Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan, who gave him his first opportunity to serve on the government council. Reflecting on the path that led him to the presidency, Dr. Jacob highlighted his seven years of service to the council—four years as vice president and two years as treasurer—calling it a “humbling experience.”
A New Era for Fintech Nigeria: The PIE Strategy
During his address, Dr. Jacob unveiled an ambitious agenda for the Fintech Association of Nigeria, centered around what he termed the “PIE Strategy,” which focuses on Participation, Innovation, and Expansion. This strategy aims to increase the association’s inclusivity and reach, with a particular focus on engaging more stakeholders across Nigeria’s diverse regions and driving digital transformation within the financial technology ecosystem.
“We aim to drive wider inclusion, and by the grace of God, when we conclude this term, we should be talking about a membership in the hundreds of thousands,” Dr. Jacob said to resounding applause. He emphasized the importance of fostering new communities of practice and thematic leadership within the association, positioning Fintech Nigeria to be a force for growth and innovation in the sector.
Expanding National Presence
One of the standout components of Dr. Jacob’s vision is the planned expansion of the association’s footprint across Nigeria. He revealed a bold initiative to establish physical offices in every geopolitical zone in the country by next year, citing this as crucial to ensuring that fintech innovations and opportunities are accessible nationwide. “By this time next year, God willing, Fintech Nigeria will have a physical presence in every zone—from the Northeast to the South-South, Southwest, Southeast, North-Central, and Northwest,” he announced.
The new president emphasized the importance of tapping into young talent and the growing ecosystems of the digital economy, which he believes will fuel Nigeria’s future leadership in fintech on the global stage.
Leadership Backed by Industry Experts
Dr. Jacob also highlighted the strength of the new government council, which includes a diverse array of experts from various fields, including ex-regulators, academia, consultants, and cybersecurity specialists. This collective expertise, he said, positions the council to drive the association’s mission to new heights, ensuring that fintech remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic development.
“We are backed by ex-regulators, the academic community, consulting, and cybersecurity experts—this is a goal that cannot fail,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of innovation and regulatory alignment in achieving their objectives.
A Promising Future for Nigerian Fintech
Dr. Stanley Jacob, a certified expert in finance, technology, and public administration, brings a wealth of experience to his new role as president of the Fintech Association of Nigeria. He is currently the CEO of Zest and has served as CEO of Stanbic IBTC Financial Service Limited, with a strong background in digital transformation and financial inclusion, having held leadership roles at Mastercard, Standard Chartered, and Ecobank. His forward-looking leadership is expected to guide the association through a period of dynamic growth, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and regional representation.
The Nigeria Fintech Week, which has grown to be one of the most influential gatherings in the fintech space across Africa, provided a fitting stage for the inauguration of Dr. Jacob. His commitment to expanding opportunities and driving the digital economy promises to solidify Nigeria’s position as a leader in fintech innovation across the continent.