The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has announced plans to hold its 18th Annual Banking and Finance Conference in September, with a strong focus on the relationship between banking, public policy, and technology.
The announcement was made during a world press briefing on Wednesday, where the theme for this year’s conference was unveiled as “The New Economic Playbook: The Intersection of Banking, Policy, and Technology”. The event will be held in Abuja, with provisions for virtual participation from across the world.
According to the CIBN President and Chairman of Council, Professor Pius Olanrewaju, the conference is expected to attract more than 10,000 professionals from different parts of the globe. Participants will include policymakers, regulators, bankers, academics, industry leaders, clients, and other stakeholders in the financial ecosystem.
“This flagship event, which is hosted annually by CIBN, serves as a platform for all stakeholders in the banking and finance sector to discuss critical developments in the industry and the economy at large,” Prof. Olanrewaju said. He stressed that the conference aligns with the Institute’s mandate of building the capacity of banking and finance professionals through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
Chairman of the Consultative Committee for the conference, Mrs Miriam Olusanya, who is also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank, shared more details on the programme. She said the event will explore how digital innovation and changing economic realities are reshaping the financial sector.
“With the advent of digital currencies, embedded finance, AI-driven systems, evolving consumer expectations, and geopolitical changes, old economic models are being challenged,” Olusanya explained. “This makes it important for industry players to develop a new operational framework that can adapt to these changes.”
The two-day conference will feature high-profile speakers from the fields of finance, technology, and policy-making, offering perspectives from Nigeria, Africa, and the global stage. The organisers also announced a pre-conference event dedicated to young banking professionals. This youth-focused session will run under the theme “Unlocking Next Gen Potentials in a Digitally Disruptive World”, aimed at preparing the next generation of leaders for the fast-changing banking environment.
Mrs Olusanya highlighted three main business sessions that will address pressing issues in the sector. The first session, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Economic Potential: The Role of the Financial Services Industry”, will discuss strategies for boosting economic growth through a stronger banking sector.
The second session, “Adapting to Global Shocks: Enhancing Risk Management, Compliance, and Regulatory Practices for Sustainable Growth”, will focus on how banks can respond to crises such as global recessions, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical risks.
The third session, “Navigating the AI Revolution: Strategic Direction for Financial Institutions”, will examine the impact of artificial intelligence on banking operations, risk management, and customer service.
“I am excited about the depth and relevance of this year’s programme, and I am confident it will inspire bold ideas that can transform the banking industry,” Olusanya said.
Other key figures on the conference organising committee include Mr Wole Adeniyi, Managing Director/CEO of Stanbic IBTC Bank, and Mrs Halima Buba, Managing Director/CEO of SunTrust Bank, who both serve as Co-Chairs. Also on the team are Mrs Mojisola Asieru-Sweet, first Vice President of CIBN; Ms Hawwau Gambo, Acting Head of Communication and Public Affairs at the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation; Ms Hawwau Gambo, Registrar/CEO of CIBN; and Mr Akin Morakinyo, among others.
The CIBN Annual Banking and Finance Conference has, over the years, become one of the most important gatherings for Nigeria’s financial sector. It serves as a forum for sharing ideas, promoting innovation, and creating policies that can strengthen the banking industry and the broader economy.
