Head, Corporate Business Banking at LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited

LAPO Microfinance Bank is a pro-poor financial institution committed to the social and economic empowerment of low-income households through provision of access to responsive financial services on a sustainable basis. The Institution was established in the late 1980s as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) by Godwin Ehigiamusoe in response to the effects of the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in 1986.

In 2010, LAPO MfB obtained the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to operate as a state microfinance bank and in 2012, it got an approval as a national microfinance bank. Over the years, LAPO MfB has emerged as a leading institution delivering a range of financial services to over a million people in Nigeria.
Our Vision/Mission: Improving lives

The LAPO MfB family share mutual core values that are centred on:
Integrity
Innovativeness
Simplicity
Excellence
Customer-centerednessJob Summary

To provide strategic leadership and direction for LAPO Microfinance Bank's Corporate Business Banking function by driving the acquisition, growth, and retention of corporate clients, institutions, SMEs, development organizations, and value-chain partners to diversify portfolio into commercial B2B across all sectors. The role is responsible for developing sustainable business relationships, mobilizing deposits, expanding corporate lending portfolios, and promoting LAPO's financial inclusion mandate through innovative financial solutions that support businesses, underserved communities, and economic development.

Job Details

Develop and implement corporate banking strategies aligned with LAPO Microfinance Bank's business objectives and financial inclusion agenda.
Drive the acquisition, growth, and retention of corporate, institutional and SME clients
Lead deposit mobilization initiatives to increase corporate deposits and improve the Bank's funding base.
Identify and develop new business opportunities, partnerships, origination of High-net-worth SME Merchants financial solutions, and strategic alliances that support business growth by growing the number of new clients and borrowers within the corporate and commercial segment.
Manage and grow the corporate loan portfolio while ensuring adherence to the Bank's credit policies and risk management framework. Monitor and maintain portfolio quality across the segment, ensuring Portfolio at Risk (PAR) is kept within approved thresholds for each product line.
Develop tailored financial products and solutions that address the needs of corporate clients, SMEs, and underserved market segments.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, regulators, development partners, and industry stakeholders.Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and economic developments to identify emerging opportunities and risks.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and corporate governance standards.
Collaborate with Risk Management, Operations, Treasury, Digital Banking, and other business units to deliver seamless banking solutions.
Lead negotiations on major corporate transactions, partnerships, and business agreements.
Prepare and present business performance reports, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to Executive Management.
Drive customer satisfaction, service excellence, and relationship management across the corporate banking portfolio.
Drive workforce capability development, performance management, and a high-performance culture across the sales teams.
Promote LAPO's mission of financial inclusion by creating pathways for SMEs, corporate businesses, cooperatives and association, and emerging enterprises to access sustainable financial services.
Develop, train, coach and manage team leaders and Relationship Managers, fostering cross-functional collaboration with credit, risk, and product teams

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:   Bachelor's Degree in Banking & Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Marketing, or any related discipline.
Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, Economics, or related field will be an added advantage.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Relevant professional certifications such as ACIB, ACA, ACCA, CFA, CIBN, or equivalent.
Experience:   Minimum of 10–15 years of progressive banking experience, with significant exposure to Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, Business Development, or Relationship Management. 
Specific Experience:  Minimum of 5 years in a senior management or leadership role within Corporate Banking or Business Banking.
Proven track record in deposit mobilization, corporate lending, relationship management, and business growth.
Experience in financial inclusion, SME financing, development finance, or microfinance banking will be an added advantage.