Zenith Bank Plc has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, underscoring their commitment to fostering the development of human capital in finance and investment. The MoU, signed on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, aims to advance initiatives supporting education, training, and ongoing development within the Nigerian financial services sector.
The signing ceremony, attended by key figures including Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank; Margaret Franklin, President/CEO of the CFA Institute; and Ibukun Oyedeji, President of CFA Society Nigeria, marked a pivotal moment in the collaboration between the banking institution and the globally recognized CFA Institute.
Dr. Onyeagwu, expressing commendation for the CFA Institute and CFA Society Nigeria’s impactful programs, highlighted initiatives such as the Women in Investment Management Initiative, CFA Institute Research Challenge, CFA Society Nigeria Ethics Challenge, and University Affiliation Program. He affirmed Zenith Bank’s commitment to supporting the career development of young finance and investment professionals, emphasizing the bank’s role as a responsible corporate citizen.
He said, “As a good corporate citizen, Zenith Bank remains committed to furthering the economic, cultural and social development of the society. As such, we continue to support projects and initiatives that have long-term social and economic benefits for our various publics and stakeholders. Partnering with the CFA Institute and the CFA Society Nigeria is therefore a demonstration of our commitment to building professional excellence in the finance services industry in Nigeria”.
During the CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference, Dr. Onyeagwu, in a ‘Journey to the Top: A Discourse with CEOs’ segment, inspired aspiring finance and investment professionals. He emphasized the significance of upholding integrity, making quality decisions, building networks, and dedicating oneself to hard work for career success. Notably, he announced Zenith Bank’s commitment to offering immediate employment opportunities to CFA Charter Holders and those qualifying as Chartered Accountants.
Margaret Franklin, President/CEO of the CFA Institute, reiterated the institute’s dedication to the professional development of students and emerging professionals. She highlighted the CFA Institute’s mission to lead the investment industry with high standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence, emphasizing the pivotal role students play as the future of the industry. Franklin commended Zenith Bank for its consistent support to CFA Society Nigeria and sponsorship of the CFA Institute Research Challenge.
Ibukun Oyedeji, President of CFA Society Nigeria, also expressed appreciation for Zenith Bank’s commitment to the development of young finance professionals in the country.
The ongoing CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference, hosted by CFA Institute and CFA Societies from Ghana, East Africa, South Africa, and Mauritius, serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. With representation from over 20 universities in Nigeria, the conference underscores the shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of finance professionals.