Firm targets stronger leadership in financial services sector
Crownrise Finance Plc has announced the appointment of a new Board of Directors as part of efforts to strengthen its leadership and reposition the company for growth in Nigeria’s financial services industry.
The company disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
According to the firm, the new board consists of experienced professionals from the finance, insurance, legal, and investment banking sectors. The appointments aim to support the company’s next phase of expansion and innovation.
Crownrise described the board as a blend of experienced returnees and fresh leaders. The company said the combination would provide both institutional knowledge and modern industry expertise.
Balogun appointed board chairman
Leading the new board is Biodun Balogun, a founding shareholder of the company and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.
The company said Balogun also serves as Executive Chairman of Allied Computers Group. He brings more than 30 years of experience in audit, finance, and information technology.
Experts from finance and insurance sectors join board
Crownrise also appointed Asiwaju Taiwo Adeniji to the board. Adeniji has over three decades of experience in development and investment banking.
The statement noted that he previously worked with the African Development Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation. He recently retired as Senior Executive Director at AFC.
According to the company, his experience in infrastructure financing and industrial projects across Africa will strengthen the board’s strategic outlook.
Insurance and risk management expert Akinola Odunsami also joined the board.
Crownrise said Odunsami is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Chartered Institute of Bankers in the United Kingdom. He previously held leadership positions at LASACO Assurance Plc and Smoothway Insurance Brokers.
The company added that his expertise would improve its risk management structure and long-term planning.
Bakare, Rufai return to strengthen governance
Lanre Bakare was also appointed to the board. Bakare is a Chartered Accountant and alumnus of the University of Oxford.
He previously worked with FBN Quest and Pan African Capital Holdings. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Tradecycle SCF Limited.
The company said Bakare played a key role in restructuring and rebuilding Crownrise Finance Plc.
Legal practitioner Oladipupo Rufai also returned to the board. The company said he specialises in corporate finance, fintech, and project finance.
According to Crownrise, his legal and financial experience will help maintain strong regulatory compliance across the organisation.
Otunba Babatunde Rufai-Lariba, the pioneer Managing Director of Crownrise Finance Plc, also returned to the board.
The company described him as a major part of the Crownrise legacy with over 30 years of experience in banking and finance.
Company expresses confidence in new board
Crownrise Finance congratulated the newly appointed directors and expressed confidence in their ability to provide strategic leadership.
The company added that the board would guide its future expansion, innovation, and transformation plans in Nigeria’s financial sector.
