Standard Chartered has appointed Dalu Ajene as Chief Executive Officer for its Africa operations, effective immediately as of January 21, 2026.
In this expanded role, Ajene also assumes responsibility as Head of Coverage for Africa, overseeing the bank’s corporate, investment banking, wealth, and retail franchises across the continent.
Ajene succeeds Kariuki Ngari in the continental leadership position. His appointment follows a distinguished tenure as CEO of Standard Chartered Nigeria since April 2024, during which he achieved strong year-on-year financial performance and ensured compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ₦200 billion recapitalisation requirement well ahead of the March 2026 deadline.
Proven Leadership Trajectory and Achievements
Ajene’s career reflects a consistent progression in high-impact banking roles across West Africa.
Prior to joining Standard Chartered, he served as CEO of Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria, where he established a strong record in corporate banking, investment banking, and risk management.
His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in economics from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
In his Nigeria leadership role, Ajene positioned Standard Chartered among the first international banks to meet stringent new capital regulations, demonstrating strategic foresight, operational excellence, and stakeholder alignment.
This success has positioned him to scale similar results across Standard Chartered’s broader African footprint.
Having had the privilege of leading Standard Chartered Nigeria over the past two years, I am deeply honoured to now take on broader responsibilities across Africa. I look forward to working closely with our experienced teams across the continent to accelerate growth across our corporate and investment banking and wealth and retail businesses, mobilise catalytic capital, and create sustainable value for our clients, stakeholders, and the communities we serve
Dalu Ajene, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer for Standard Chartered’s Africa operations
Strategic Alignment with Standard Chartered’s Africa Priorities
The appointment supports Standard Chartered’s long-term strategy to deepen client relationships, expand market presence, and drive sustainable growth in key African economies.
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By elevating a leader with proven regional expertise, the bank aims to enhance execution in corporate and investment banking while strengthening wealth and retail offerings amid evolving regulatory and economic landscapes.
Ajene’s oversight of coverage functions will facilitate integrated client solutions, capital mobilisation for infrastructure and development projects, and enhanced risk management across diverse jurisdictions.
Implications for Growth and Regional Impact
This leadership transition underscores Standard Chartered’s commitment to talent development from within its African operations and to fostering indigenous expertise in executive roles.
With Ajene’s track record of regulatory compliance, financial performance, and strategic execution, the bank is well-positioned to capitalise on opportunities in Africa’s dynamic financial services sector, including digital innovation, sustainable finance, and cross-border trade facilitation.
Looking Ahead
Dalu Ajene’s appointment as CEO for Standard Chartered’s Africa operations represents a natural progression from his successful leadership in Nigeria to a pan-continental mandate.
His extensive experience, academic credentials, and demonstrated results equip him to advance the bank’s strategic objectives, accelerate growth, and deliver value across corporate, investment, wealth, and retail segments.
As of January 23, 2026, this development reinforces Standard Chartered’s focus on sustainable expansion and client-centric leadership in Africa.
For the most current information, refer to official announcements from Standard Chartered.
Standard Chartered Overview
Standard Chartered Bank in Kenya: key branches and contact points include Standard Chartered Bank – Head Office, Standard Chartered Bank – Kenyatta Avenue Branch, Standard Chartered Bank Harambee Avenue Branch CDM, Standard Chartered Bank Moi Avenue, Standard Chartered Bank Yaya, Standard Chartered Bank – Thika Road Mall (TRM) and additional locations throughout Nairobi. These branches support personal and business banking needs.
Standard Chartered offers Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Online Login via its online and mobile platforms, enabling customers to access accounts, transfers, bill payments, and other digital services securely.
For support, the Standard Chartered customer care centre in Nairobi operates 24 hours, with contact lines such as +254 20 329 3900 and +254 703 093 900, and email support through Ke.Service@sc.com for retail clients.
Beyond Kenya, Standard Chartered operates globally, including Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan, Standard Chartered Singapore, and Standard Chartered India, each with local branches, customer care channels, and online services tailored to those markets.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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