The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has elected Fiona Ahimie as its 14th President and Chairman of Council, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to lead the Institute since its establishment over three decades ago.
Ahimie’s election was confirmed during a Council meeting held on Thursday, signalling a leadership transition that industry stakeholders have described as a major step forward for gender inclusion and professional development within Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.
TheCable Business Desk reports that her emergence follows the Institute’s structured succession framework, as she takes over from outgoing President Oluropo Dada, who completed his tenure after overseeing key reforms and strategic initiatives within the organisation.
Dada, while announcing the transition, described Ahimie as a seasoned professional with strong leadership capacity, noting that she brings “proven expertise, strong leadership, and a clear vision” for the future direction of the Institute.
Ahimie, who currently serves as Managing Director of First Securities Brokers Limited, previously held the positions of 2nd Vice President and 1st Vice President of the Institute, positioning her within the leadership structure prior to her elevation.
Following her appointment, Akeem Oyewale has assumed the role of 1st Vice President, while the Institute is expected to announce a new 2nd Vice President in line with its governance framework.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that Ahimie’s leadership journey spans more than 15 years across Nigeria’s financial services sector, with experience in investment management, stockbroking, and capital market operations.
Her professional background includes senior roles at Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers, FBNQuest Capital, and Lead Capital, alongside academic credentials that include an MBA from Lagos Business School and executive training from IESE Business School in Spain.
Ahimie is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, reflecting her strong professional standing within the financial services industry.
Her formal inauguration as President is scheduled for 25 June 2026, where she is expected to outline her strategic agenda for the Institute, including market development, professional capacity building, and capital market reforms.
Industry stakeholders have described her election as a significant moment for Nigeria’s financial sector, reflecting growing emphasis on diversity, leadership transition, and institutional strengthening within professional bodies.
