Standard Chartered has promoted Dalu Ajene, who had served as Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Nigeria since April 2024, to the position of Africa CEO. The appointment, announced on 16 January 2026, moves Ajene from leading the bank's Nigeria operation to overseeing its Africa business.
Ajene previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria before taking up the Standard Chartered Nigeria role in April 2024.
NIGERIA RECAPITALISATION
During his tenure as Nigeria CEO, Ajene oversaw the bank's efforts to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria's ₦200 billion minimum capital requirement, which the CBN set for commercial banks holding national operating licences.
Standard Chartered Nigeria, which opened to customers in 1999 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the group, met the ₦200 billion threshold that applies to banks with national commercial banking licences.
AFRICA ROLE
As Africa CEO, Ajene assumes responsibility for Standard Chartered's operations in Africa. Standard Chartered has exited several smaller African markets in recent years.