Oliver Alawuba Leads UBA's Growth and Expansion

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Oliver Alawuba is a highly accomplished banking professional, and his leadership has been instrumental in driving the growth and expansion of UBA.

As the Group Managing Director of UBA, Oliver has overseen the bank's operations in over 20 countries across Africa and globally.

With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Oliver has developed a deep understanding of the market and has made strategic decisions that have contributed to UBA's success.

Oliver's leadership has been marked by a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

UBA and Oliver Alawuba

Oliver Alawuba is the current Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), a position he assumed in August 2022.

He joined UBA in 1997 and has since held various senior positions within the bank, including CEO of UBA Ghana and UBA Africa.

Alawuba has extensive experience in Nigeria and the African network, making him well-equipped to advance UBA's pan-African and global strategy.

Credit: youtube.com, OLIVER ALAWUBA, Group Managing Director / CEO UBA BANK SHESINCLUDED conference 2025

He has been a part of the bank's leadership team for over 25 years, having started his career in academia before joining Standard Trust Bank in 1997.

As Group Managing Director, Alawuba oversees all the bank's operations across 24 countries in Africa and internationally in the UK, US, France, and the UAE.

Here are some of the key roles he has held in the bank:

  • Country CEO for Ghana
  • Country CEO for Cote d'Ivoire
  • Regional CEO for Anglophone
  • Executive Director, East Bank (Nigeria)
  • Group Deputy Managing Director/CEO, UBA Africa

Career

Oliver Alawuba has had a remarkable career spanning over 25 years in the financial services industry. He joined Standard Trust Bank (STB) in 1997 as a pioneer staff and rose through the ranks in the UBA Group.

Alawuba has served in various senior positions, including country CEO for Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, Regional CEO for Anglophone, executive director, East Bank (Nigeria), and Group Deputy Managing Director/CEO, covering Nigeria and other 19 subsidiaries in the Rest of Africa.

In 2020, he was appointed as Group Deputy Managing Director/CEO, UBA Africa, covering subsidiaries in 19 African countries. As DMD/CEO, UBA Africa, in 2021, UBA won the Banker's award for African Bank of the Year in 13 countries.

Alawuba is a highly respected professional, holding various honorary and fellowship titles, including Honorary Senior member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Management (FNIM), and Member of the Nigeria Institute of Directors (M. IoD).

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UBA to Raise Capital

Credit: youtube.com, Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba speaks on the 2022 Financial Year Performance

UBA is gearing up to launch a capital raise within the coming weeks to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria's directive for banks to bolster their capital positions.

The recapitalisation exercise has four options for UBA, but the bank has ruled out acquisition and merger. Instead, UBA will raise the capital and has already submitted applications to the Securities and Exchange Commission for approval.

In a high-interest-rate environment, UBA's CEO Oliver Alawuba remains optimistic about the success of the rights offer, citing the bank's extensive reach and portfolio across multiple African markets.

UBA has a diversified portfolio across 24 countries, which makes it an attractive investment opportunity.

The capital raise is necessary to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria's deadline of March 31, 2026.

Oliver Alawuba believes that UBA's unique presence in the U.S. banking sector, with a national banking license, will also appeal to investors.

UBA Achieves New Profit Level

UBA achieved a new profit level in 2020, with a profit before tax of $1.16 billion.

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This significant milestone is a testament to the bank's strong financial position and its ability to navigate the challenges of the pandemic.

The bank's profit before tax increased by 35% compared to the previous year, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability.

Oliver Alawuba, the Deputy Managing Director and Chief Finance Officer of UBA, played a crucial role in driving the bank's financial performance during this period.

As a seasoned banker with over 30 years of experience, Alawuba brought his expertise and leadership skills to the table, helping to steer the bank towards this new profit level.

Under his guidance, UBA was able to optimize its operations, reduce costs, and improve its revenue streams, ultimately leading to this impressive financial result.

Oliver Alawuba's Achievements

Oliver Alawuba was conferred the fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the highest honour for bankers, during the institute's 2023 investiture ceremony.

He received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Banking and Finance from Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri in 2023.

In 2023, University of Ibadan (UI) appointed Oliver Alawuba as an ambassador of the university following the commemoration of its 75th anniversary.

Oliver Alawuba was born in 1966.

Here are some key categories that describe Oliver Alawuba:

  • Nigerian bankers
  • Nigerian philanthropists
  • University of Ibadan alumni
  • Nigerian chief executives
  • Nigerian business executives

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is UBA Bank in Nigeria?

UBA Bank was founded in 1949, making it over 73 years old, with its roots dating back to the British and French Bank Limited (BFB). It was officially incorporated as a limited liability company in 1961.

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Kellie Hessel is a rising star in the world of journalism, with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape our world. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Kellie has established herself as a go-to writer for industry insights and expert analysis. Kellie's areas of expertise include the insurance industry, where she has developed a deep understanding of the complex issues and trends that impact businesses and individuals alike.

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