Crownrise Finance Plc has announced the appointment of a new Board of Directors as part of efforts to reposition the company for growth, innovation and stronger corporate governance in Nigeria’s financial services sector.
The privately owned non-bank financial institution said the newly constituted board brings together experienced professionals from the banking, finance, insurance, legal and investment sectors to drive its next phase of development.
According to the company, the board comprises both newly appointed members and returning directors, creating a balance between institutional experience and fresh strategic direction.
Leading the board as Chairman is Mr. Biodun Balogun, a founding shareholder of Crownrise Finance Plc and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. Balogun, who has over three decades of experience in finance and information technology, is also known for his leadership role at Allied Computers Group. The company noted that his expertise in audit, finance and IT would strengthen its operational and governance framework.
Also appointed to the board is Asiwaju Taiwo Adeniji, a development finance and investment banking expert with over 30 years of experience across Africa. Adeniji previously worked with the African Development Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation, where he retired as Senior Executive Director. Crownrise Finance stated that his experience in infrastructure financing and industrial development across more than 20 African countries would provide valuable continental insight for the company’s expansion plans.
Another appointee, Mr. Akinola Odunsami, brings extensive experience in insurance and risk management. A Fellow of both Chartered Insurance and Banking Institutes in the United Kingdom, Odunsami previously served as a non-executive director at LASACO Assurance Plc and currently chairs Smoothway Insurance Brokers. The company described him as a seasoned professional whose knowledge of the insurance and microfinance industries would enhance its risk management structure.
Mr. Lanre Bakare also joins the board with a strong background in strategic finance and advisory services. A Chartered Accountant and alumnus of the University of Oxford, Bakare has worked with FBN Quest and Pan African Capital Holdings before becoming Chief Executive Officer of Tradecycle SCF Limited. Crownrise Finance credited him with playing a major role in the company’s restructuring and rebuilding process.
Returning to the board is Barrister Oladipupo Rufai, a Partner at Stalwart Legal Practitioners. Rufai, who holds a Master of Laws degree from Queen Mary University of London, specializes in corporate finance, fintech and project finance. The company said his legal and financial expertise would help maintain high regulatory and compliance standards.
Also making a return is Otunba Babatunde Rufai-Lariba, the pioneer Managing Director of Crownrise Finance Plc. With over 30 years of experience in the banking and finance industry, Rufai-Lariba holds an MBA from St. Clements University, United Kingdom, and has attended both the University of Wales and Lagos Business School.
Crownrise Finance Plc described the appointments as a strategic move aimed at strengthening leadership and improving service delivery. The company reaffirmed its commitment to reliability, integrity and innovative financial solutions for customers and stakeholders across Nigeria.
