In the dynamic world of finance, where leadership demands agility, foresight, and a deep understanding of markets, Oluwatoyin F Sanni stands out as a luminary. From her humble beginnings in Nigeria to her current position as the Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Africa Capital, Sanni’s journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
Born in 1965 into a devout Christian family of nine, Sanni’s early years were shaped by the values of hard work and integrity instilled by her parents. She embarked on her academic journey at Queen’s School, Ibadan, before pursuing her passion for law at the University of Ife, where she earned her law degree at a remarkable age of 18 in 1984. With a thirst for knowledge and a drive for success, Sanni further honed her expertise by obtaining a BL from the Nigerian Law School in Lagos, subsequently being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985. Undeterred by the challenges of a male-dominated field, she continued to excel, earning her master’s degree from the University of Lagos in 1988.
Sanni’s quest for professional growth led her to prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School Executive Education, Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University CEO Program, and IESE Business School Chief Executive Program at Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2015. This diverse educational background equipped her with a multifaceted perspective crucial for navigating the complexities of the financial world.
Throughout her illustrious career, Sanni has held pivotal roles in renowned organizations, leaving an indelible mark wherever she goes. Notably, she served as the Group Chief Executive Officer of United Capital Plc, a leading African Investment Banking group, for over four years. Under her visionary leadership, United Capital Plc flourished, encompassing market-leading divisions in Investment Banking, Trust, Asset Management, and Securities.
Prior to her tenure at United Capital Plc, Sanni served as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UBA Trustees & Global Investor Services for 8 years, where she demonstrated exceptional acumen in trust management and global investor services. Her tenure saw remarkable growth and innovation, solidifying her reputation as a transformational leader in the finance sector.
Sanni’s influence extends beyond her corporate endeavors; she is actively involved in various industry associations and initiatives aimed at fostering growth and inclusivity. As the founder and chairperson of Women in Finance Nigeria (WIFng), she champions the advancement of Nigerian women in the finance sector, advocating for gender diversity and empowerment. Her commitment to financial literacy is evident through her role as the chairperson of the Financial Literacy Technical Committee (FLTC) of the Nigerian Capital Market, where she spearheads initiatives to enhance financial education and awareness among the populace.
Sanni’s exemplary leadership and contributions have earned her widespread recognition, including prestigious awards such as the All African Business Woman of the Year, West Africa, and the All African Business Woman of the Year, Africa, at CNBC Africa’s AABLA awards. She made history as the first female recipient of Nigeria’s CEO of the Year by Pearl Awards, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the industry.
In addition to her professional accolades, Sanni remains deeply committed to social impact initiatives, serving as an advisor to Mamamoni, a FinTech social enterprise empowering marginalized women through vocational skills and mobile loans. As she continues to chart new territories and inspire future generations, Oluwatoyin F Sanni stands as a blazer of excellence in African finance, embodying the values of integrity, innovation, and empowerment. Her journey serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to dream and persevere against all odds.
