In less than five years, Daniel Jayeoba has quietly revolutionized one of Africa’s most prestigious law firms, transforming Banwo & Ighodalo’s (B&I) technology practice into a market-leading powerhouse.
Through strategic vision and methodical execution, he has positioned the firm at the forefront of Africa’s burgeoning fintech revolution.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Under Jayeoba’s leadership, B&I’s technology practice has risen to rank consistently among Africa’s top three, with a client portfolio that reads like a who’s who of global financial technology. But it’s the methodical approach behind these achievements that sets this transformation apart.
“We recognized early that Africa’s financial sector was undergoing a fundamental shift,” Jayeoba explains from B&I’s Lagos office. “The challenge was evolving a practice that could effectively serve both established institutions and emerging fintech companies.”
His solution was characteristically systematic. First came a strategic overhaul of the firm’s technology capabilities. Jayeoba established dedicated sector teams, each combining deep technical knowledge with regulatory expertise. The firm implemented cutting-edge legal technology solutions, significantly enhancing service delivery efficiency.
A pivotal moment came through an industry roundtable that Jayeoba orchestrated, bringing together key stakeholders from across Africa’s financial technology ecosystem. “The event wasn’t just about networking,” notes a senior partner at B&I. “It positioned us as thought leaders in the space and led to several significant client relationships.”
The results of this methodical approach have been remarkable. B&I now advises on many of Africa’s most significant fintech transactions. The practice has developed particular expertise in digital payments, blockchain technology, and regulatory compliance – areas crucial to Africa’s financial evolution.
“What’s impressive is how the practice combines technical excellence with practical business understanding,” observes the CEO of a leading African fintech company. “Their advice is always grounded in market realities.”
The transformation extends beyond traditional legal services. Under Jayeoba’s guidance, B&I has developed specialized frameworks for fintech transactions and built strong relationships with regulatory authorities across Africa. This comprehensive approach has proved particularly valuable as the continent’s financial technology sector grows increasingly complex.
Industry recognition has followed. The practice regularly receives top rankings from international legal directories, with clients particularly praising its technical expertise and efficient service delivery.
“They understand both the legal and technical aspects of fintech,” notes a senior executive at a global payment company. “That combination is rare and valuable.”
Looking ahead, Jayeoba’s vision remains focused on building sustainable capabilities. The practice continues to expand its expertise in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and digital banking, while maintaining its commitment to technical excellence.
As Africa’s fintech sector matures, B&I appears well-positioned to maintain its market-leading status. Through careful planning and methodical execution, Jayeoba has more than just contributed to a successful practice – he’s been instrumental in creating a template for how traditional law firms can adapt to serve the digital economy.
