The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has announced the election of Fiona Ahmed Ahimie, Managing Director of First Securities Brokers Limited a subsidiary of FirstHoldCo Plc as its 14th President and Chairman of Council. With this landmark achievement, she becomes the first woman in the Institute’s history to hold the prestigious position.
Her election represents more than a leadership transition; it marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s financial services sector, reflecting the growing influence of women in capital market leadership and signaling a progressive shift in the industry’s governance landscape.
With nearly two decades of extensive experience across stockbroking, investment banking, private equity, real estate, wealth management, and business development, Fiona brings a wealth of expertise, global exposure, and a strong record of driving growth and innovation.
She began her career at a leading Nigerian stockbroking firm, where she developed a solid foundation in capital market operations and foreign investor transactions. She later joined FBN Capital (now FirstCap) as Head of Sales Trading, where she played a critical role in managing both international and domestic institutional deal flows. In 2015, she was appointed Managing Director of African Alliance Securities Nigeria, where she significantly expanded market share, client base, and cross-border transactions.
Since assuming leadership at First Securities Brokers Limited in 2016, Fiona has driven remarkable transformation, positioning the firm among Nigeria’s top-tier brokerage houses by 2018 through improved execution capabilities and increased global investor participation.
Beyond her executive responsibilities, Fiona has served on several boards and board committees. She currently sits on the boards of First Funds (the private equity arm of FirstHoldCo Group), NGX Real Estate Limited (a subsidiary of NGX Group), Japtini Logistics, and Awabaah, a micro-pensions business. She also serves on the Statutory Audit Committee of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS).
A strong advocate of continuous learning and thought leadership, Fiona has completed executive education programs at globally renowned institutions, including MIT Sloan School of Management (USA), IESE Business School (Spain), and INSEAD (France). She is currently a Doctorate candidate at Afe Babalola University Business School. Her professional credentials include Chartered Stockbroker, Chartered Accountant, and Chartered Director. She is also an Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, serves on the Curriculum Review Committee of Lagos Business School, and has mentored participants in the WIMBIZ Women on Boards Programme for four consecutive years.
Beyond corporate leadership, Fiona is deeply committed to philanthropy, supporting multiple initiatives and sponsoring the education of young people demonstrating her dedication to inclusive growth and long-term societal impact.
Her leadership philosophy is anchored on excellence, integrity, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to fairness.
Fiona’s presidency comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s capital market, as it navigates increased global integration, regulatory reforms, and rapid digital transformation. As President, she is expected to drive strategic priorities including market deepening, strengthening professional standards, enhancing investor confidence, and fostering the next generation of capital market professionals.
She will officially assume office on April 30, 2026, with her formal investiture scheduled for June 25, 2026. The event is expected to bring together key stakeholders across Nigeria’s financial ecosystem to celebrate this historic milestone.
About First Securities Brokers Limited
First Securities Brokers Limited is a leading stockbroking and securities firm and a subsidiary of FirstHoldCo Plc. The firm provides innovative brokerage and investment solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of its clients. Its services include strategic advisory on trading and securities across various asset classes, customised investment planning, asset protection, and long-term wealth creation and preservation—empowering clients with the tools and insights needed to secure their financial future.
