Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Merchant Bank, Paul Abiagam, said the ongoing reforms and the Federal Government’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy present significant opportunities for financial institutions with the right expertise and positioning.

Speaking at dinner held to commemorate the bank’s 10th anniversary in Lagos, Abiagam said the true measure of success is the institution’s ability to grow through uncertainty and emerge stronger.
He pointed out that volatility often comes with opportunity, noting that the firm’s strategy is to ensure that it is well-positioned and stays ahead of trends as Nigeria’s economic reforms open fresh opportunities across key sectors.
He identified infrastructure, construction, real estate, oil and gas and manufacturing as priority sectors where the bank is already aligning its strategy.

He said the institution had successfully carved out a distinct niche in Nigeria’s highly competitive financial services market despite a decade defined by economic volatility, policy shifts and macroeconomic uncertainty.
“Over the last 10 years, we have found our own space in a very tight market and built credible footprints in the specific markets we chose to serve.”
According to him, the anniversary represents both a moment of gratitude to the bank’s founder, shareholders, board and partners and a recommitment to scale new heights in the decade ahead.

Abiagam attributed the bank’s resilience and steady growth to strong shareholder and board support as well as a clear and disciplined corporate strategy.
He noted that the bank’s focus on defined target markets had enabled it to expand its footprint across key sectors of the economy while maintaining operational clarity.
He also pointed out that human capital has remained its core strength, describing the bank’s people and talent as its greatest asset.

Chairman of Coronation Merchant Bank, Babatunde Folawiyo, reflected on the challenges of operating in Nigeria’s banking sector over the past decade.
He said the recent reforms have introduced greater certainty into the economy, particularly in the foreign exchange market, which is critical for business planning and sustainable growth.

On the outlook for the sector, Folawiyo said Nigeria remains significantly underbanked, creating room for diverse players within the financial system. While technology and fintechs are expanding access to financial services, he emphasised the enduring role of specialised institutions such as merchant banks in serving corporate and structured finance needs.