Access Holdings Plc has appointed Mr Emeka Anthony Ogbechie as its new Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective 23 February 2026, in a move that signals a deliberate strengthening of financial stewardship across the group’s expanding banking and non-banking operations.
The board’s decision comes at a time when Nigerian financial institutions are under pressure to balance capital adequacy, cross-border expansion and foreign exchange volatility. The appointment suggests a focus on capital efficiency, balance sheet discipline and tighter strategic execution across the group’s diversified portfolio.
Education: International Credentials Anchoring Strategic Finance Expertise
Mr Ogbechie’s academic and professional formation reflects a blend of international management training and technical accounting depth. He holds an MBA in Strategy and Finance from INSEAD (France/Singapore), completed in 2010, and a Master of Science in Management from the London School of Economics (UK), awarded in 2000. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Marketing from American Intercontinental University, London.
He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW), providing formal grounding in IFRS, corporate reporting standards, audit oversight and governance practice.
The combination of global academic exposure and professional certification positions him to navigate complex regulatory and reporting environments — a material consideration for a multinational financial services group operating across multiple African jurisdictions.
Career Trajectory: Finance Leadership Across Banking, Investment & Advisory
Mr Ogbechie joins Access Holdings with more than 20 years of experience spanning investment banking, commercial banking, private equity, finance transformation and strategic performance management.
His recent roles include:
Chief Finance Officer / Director of Finance — African Capital Alliance Ltd.
At the West Africa-focused private equity firm, he was responsible for financial oversight and performance management within a mid-market investment platform.
Group Finance Director — Equity Bank (Kenya) Ltd. (2014–2018)
At one of East Africa’s largest and most dynamic banking groups, he oversaw financial planning, risk management and compliance during a period of regional growth.
Group Chief Financial Officer — United Capital Plc (2013–2014)
He led finance at the Nigerian financial services conglomerate as it expanded across wealth management and securities markets.
Non-Executive Director — Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
He contributed to governance oversight and strategic direction at board level within a major Nigerian banking institution.
Non-Executive Director — Cornerstone Insurance Plc (appointed effective end of 2024)
This role further broadened his exposure to insurance and risk-bearing financial services at board level.
Earlier in his career, Mr Ogbechie held positions across strategy, treasury, performance management and corporate planning functions within global finance institutions, building experience across capital markets and institutional finance structures.
Role at Access Holdings: Strategic Imperatives & Expectations
Access Holdings operates a multi-entity structure comprising regulated banks and non-bank subsidiaries across Africa. The CFO role therefore extends beyond conventional financial reporting.
The remit includes:
Capital allocation and balance sheet optimisation
Liquidity management and foreign exchange risk oversight
Group-wide performance management and strategic reporting
Investor relations and engagement with credit rating agencies
M&A support and cross-border finance structuring
Mr Ogbechie’s background combines private equity capital discipline with commercial banking operational experience. That blend is likely to be relevant as Access Holdings continues to pursue disciplined growth across African markets while managing funding costs, currency risk and regulatory complexity.
His appointment underscores the group’s emphasis on governance standards and institutional robustness consistent with international financial peers.
