Quest Merchant Bank Limited has announced the appointment of Mr. Andrew Olufunmilayo Lewis (Ayo Lewis) as Executive Director, Risk Management and Executive Compliance Officer (ECO), following regulatory approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
This strategic appointment underscores the Bank’s unwavering commitment to strengthening corporate governance, enhancing risk discipline, and reinforcing institutional resilience as it accelerates its long-term growth and transformation agenda.
Ayo Lewis brings over 33 years of extensive, cross-functional experience in the financial services industry, with deep expertise spanning enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, and core banking operations. Prior to joining Quest Merchant Bank, he served as Group Chief Risk Officer at Sterling Financial Holdings Company, where he provided strategic leadership in developing and implementing integrated risk management frameworks, while optimizing enterprise-wide risk portfolios across multiple subsidiaries.
Earlier in his career, Ayo spent more than two decades in market-facing roles across consumer, commercial, and corporate banking. This unique combination of frontline banking experience and senior risk leadership gives him a well-rounded, market-informed perspective on risk governance, performance management, and sustainable value creation capabilities that will be instrumental as the Bank continues to scale responsibly.
In his new role as Executive Director, Risk Management & ECO, Ayo Lewis will lead efforts to deepen operational efficiency, strengthen compliance systems, and embed a resilient risk culture aligned with sustainable growth and regulatory excellence.
Commenting on the appointment, the Acting Managing Director/CEO of Quest Merchant Bank, Afolabi Olorode, stated:
“Ayo’s appointment reflects our deliberate and disciplined approach to building a strong, forward-looking institution anchored on robust governance and sound risk practices. His depth of experience and proven leadership will be instrumental as we continue to execute our strategy and deliver long-term value to our clients and stakeholders.”
Ayo Lewis holds a degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Lagos and has completed executive education programmes at globally renowned institutions, including Stanford University, Wharton School, London School of Management and Leadership, and Lagos Business School.