Job Description
Job Title: Head, Global Financial Institutions (GFI) – Nigeria
Industry: Banking
Location: Nigeria
Salary: ₦58 Million – ₦109 Million Annual Gross + Attractive Executive Benefits
Overview
Our client, a leading African financial services institution with an extensive international footprint, is seeking to appoint an experienced Head, Global Financial Institutions to lead its Financial Institutions business.
The successful candidate will be responsible for driving strategic growth across correspondent banking, trade finance, funding, multilateral partnerships and international financial institution relationships while supporting cross-border business expansion across Africa.
This is a highly strategic leadership role requiring strong commercial acumen, regional banking expertise and extensive international relationship management experience.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Business Leadership
Develop and execute the Financial Institutions strategy.
Drive consistent implementation of the FI business model across multiple markets.
Identify growth opportunities and market expansion initiatives.
Establish governance frameworks and performance standards for the FI business.
Business Development & Revenue Growth
Deliver sustainable growth in funded and non-funded income.
Expand business across:
Correspondent Banking
Trade Finance
Treasury Services
Transaction Banking
Syndicated Lending
Structured Finance
Originate and execute complex cross-border transactions.
Develop innovative financial solutions and strategic partnerships.
Correspondent Banking & International Partnerships
Lead correspondent banking strategy and global financial institution relationships.
Negotiate:
Correspondent banking agreements
Credit facilities
Settlement services
Pricing arrangements
Expand partnerships with:
International banks
Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)
Multilateral organisations
Export Credit Agencies (ECAs)
Strengthen access to international financial markets.
Trade Finance & Funding
Drive growth of the trade finance business.
Secure:
Trade lines
Funding facilities
Guarantees
Risk participation arrangements
Partner with Treasury and Corporate Banking to optimise liquidity and foreign currency funding.
Support complex cross-border trade transactions.
Portfolio Management, Risk & Governance
Provide strategic oversight of the Financial Institutions portfolio.
Ensure compliance with:
Risk appetite
Credit policies
AML/CFT requirements
Sanctions regulations
Applicable regulatory standards
Monitor country, counterparty and portfolio risks.
Recommend portfolio optimisation initiatives.
Executive Stakeholder Management
Build and maintain senior relationships with:
Local and international financial institutions
Central banks and regulators
Development Finance Institutions
Multilateral organisations
Export Credit Agencies
Fintechs
Payment institutions
International financial market participants
Represent the organisation at regional and international banking forums.
Business Performance Management
Provide strategic guidance to Financial Institutions teams across multiple markets.
Monitor business performance against approved objectives.
Drive collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Support major strategic transactions and client opportunities.
Leadership & Talent Development
Build and lead a high-performing Financial Institutions franchise.
Coach and mentor regional and country FI leaders.
Drive succession planning and capability development.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability and collaboration.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Banking, Business Administration or a related discipline.
MBA or Master's degree preferred.
Professional qualifications such as ACIB, CFA, ACA, ACCA, FRM or equivalent will be advantageous.
Experience
Minimum 15 years' banking experience with significant exposure to one or more of:
Financial Institutions
Corporate Banking
Correspondent Banking
Treasury
Investment Banking
Minimum 8 years in senior leadership positions with regional or multinational responsibility.
Proven experience managing cross-border Financial Institution relationships across Africa.
Strong expertise in:
Correspondent Banking
Trade Finance
Funding
Syndicated Lending
International Banking
Demonstrated success leading geographically dispersed teams and delivering strategic business growth across multiple jurisdictions.
