Titilayo Ayopo is a business management professional with over two decades of experience in financial services, regulatory compliance, business consultancy, and capacity building. From leading banking operations to mentoring individuals and businesses on financial independence, she holds a degree in Microbiology from Osun State University, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. In this interview, Ayopo speaks on her career path, championing financial literacy.
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Take us through your career path.
My career began as a fresh graduate when I joined the now-defunct Amicable Bank as a marketing executive in the early nineties, a time when the second generation of banking institutions was emerging. During my tenure there, I had the opportunity to work in both the marketing and operations departments, which provided me with a solid foundation in banking principles and practices. This multidimensional exposure equipped me with essential skills and a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

In 1997, I transitioned to Zenith Bank, where I enjoyed a dynamic and rewarding journey over the years. I quickly climbed the ranks and ultimately reached the position of Branch Manager. My experience at Zenith Bank spanned both Retail and Corporate Banking, and I proudly received numerous accolades for excellence in various facets of Relationship Management, earning awards for seven consecutive years. This recognition not only affirmed my hard work and dedication but also fueled my passion for delivering exceptional client service.

In 2007, I decided to broaden my horizons and moved abroad to the UK, where I pursued further training as a financial and business analyst. This educational endeavour opened new avenues for my career, allowing me to take on roles as a financial and management consultant. Leveraging my experience and insights, I eventually established my own Business Finance Company, where I focus on raising and managing finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both the UK and Nigeria. Through my companies, Vamoney and Vam concepts, I am committed to empowering businesses by providing them with the financial resources and strategic guidance they need to thrive in their respective markets. Overall, my journey has been marked by continuous learning and adaptation, and I remain passionate about making a meaningful impact in the financial sector.
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As a leader fostering financial literacy and development, what key advice would you give on financial literacy?
I would like to advise that to be financially stable and being able to create wealth, you need to understand setting and achieving financial goals, creating budgets and sticking to it, saving and investing for the future, maximizing and creating multiple streams of income; managing debt effectively; protecting assets through insurance; planning for retirement and building emergency fund.

What informed your non-governmental organisation focused on financial education and empowerment?
I am driven by a vision to empower communities; hence I actively engage in social impact initiatives. My work emphasises the importance of financial independence as a tool for personal and societal transformation. Through my NGO, I provide resources and training to economically disadvantaged groups, helping them navigate life’s financial challenges.

My focus is based on Nigeria’s financial literacy problem. Approximately 53.4 percent of Nigeria’s adult population has limited tracking of their weekly expenses, and over 50 percent are uncertain about their daily financial means. Financial inclusion in Nigeria increased to 74 percent in 2023, up from 68 percent in 2020, indicating a positive trend towards broader access to financial services. The gender gap in financial inclusion widened slightly, with women’s financial inclusion growing from 60 percent in 2020 to 70 percent in 2023, but the gap itself increased from eight percent to nine percent during the same period.

My goal is to provide solutions to the literacy challenges through enhanced financial education by conducting regular financial literacy workshops; targeting a progressive increase in participant comprehension and expanding the reach of sessions over time. Build collaborative networks, improved programme impact and fostering inclusivity and secure resources to ensure the sustainability and growth of initiatives.

What is your counsel to women seeking to get a hold of their career path and build a lasting legacy?
Believe in yourself and your capacity to deliver. Confidence is the cornerstone of success. Women must first acknowledge and embrace their abilities, understanding that their contributions are valuable and impactful. Drawing from my career, my rise to senior leadership roles in a highly competitive banking industry, both in Nigeria and the UK, underscores the power of self-belief. Despite challenges, I proved my capabilities time and again, delivering innovative solutions and driving significant organisational growth.
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Women should also not allow societal pressure and prejudice hold them back. Society often imposes limiting expectations on women, but success comes from challenging and overcoming these constraints. Commit to continuous learning and self-improvement. The world is constantly evolving, and staying relevant requires a commitment to learning. Women should actively seek opportunities to enhance their skills by attending training sessions, seminars, and workshops in their fields. These platforms not only improve knowledge but also broaden perspectives and open doors to new opportunities.

Network within your industry. Building meaningful connections is critical to career success. Networking creates opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and learning from peers. My involvement as a Board Member and Trustee across various organisations highlights the value of relationships in professional growth. Women should actively engage in industry events, professional groups, and online forums to establish a strong support network.

Impact your subordinates positively. True leadership is measured by the ability to inspire and nurture the next generation. As a leader, I emphasise the importance of mentoring and developing others. I have used my role as a mentor and trainer to impart valuable skills and guidance to those I lead. Women should aim to create a ripple effect of success by sharing their knowledge and uplifting others within their teams or communities. Building a legacy is about ensuring your impact endures. By empowering communities with financial education, I am laying the foundation for lasting change. Similarly, women should focus on recreating their values, vision, and work ethic in others so their legacy continues beyond their tenure.

Stay focused on the bigger picture. It’s easy to get lost in day-to-day challenges, but maintaining a clear vision is essential for lasting success. My multifaceted career—from banking to consultancy and nonprofit work—shows the importance of aligning actions with long-term goals. Women should define their personal and professional missions, ensuring every step they take contributes to a larger purpose.

Leverage challenges as opportunities for growth as they often come disguised as opportunities for growth. My ability to turn underperforming branches into profitable ventures, lead complex regulatory compliance projects, and overcome industry-specific hurdles shows that obstacles can be stepping stones. Women should adopt a growth mindset, using every challenge to build resilience and develop their skillsets.

Balance professional and personal growth as true success isn’t just professional—it includes personal fulfilment and development. My passion for reading, traveling, and community engagement demonstrates a holistic approach to life. Women should strive for balance, nurturing their interests and maintaining well-being alongside their career pursuits.
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What key learnings and life lessons have you garnered through your career journey?
You are the ultimate architect of your life’s path. Where you end up in life is largely determined by your own decisions and efforts. It begins with setting clear, achievable goals and crafting a detailed roadmap that outlines the steps needed to reach them. Believe in your vision, even when others doubt you, and remain focused on your journey. It’s vital to stay resilient and not let external opinions or negativity derail your progress.

Deeply understand your market and find your niche. Success in any field requires a thorough understanding of the market you wish to serve. Identify your niche—where your skills and expertise align with unmet customer needs—and commit to extensive research to grasp the preferences, challenges, and expectations of your target audience. This principle has guided me throughout my career, from designing tailored banking solutions to creating financial education programmes that empower underserved communities. Commit to lifelong learning and skill development. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and staying relevant requires continuous growth. Regularly invest in expanding your knowledge through reading, training, and research to keep pace with industry changes.

Embrace resilience and learn from setbacks. Failure is not a permanent state but a stepping stone to greater success. The ability to recover from setbacks, whether in business or life, builds resilience and equips you with invaluable lessons for the future. Failed projects or negative life events often provide clarity, reveal weaknesses, and spark innovation.
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