Quest Merchant Bank appoints Ayo Lewis as Executive Director for Risk Management and Compliance

Quest Merchant Bank has appointed Mr Andrew Olufunmilayo Lewis, widely known as Ayo Lewis, as Executive Director, Risk Management and Executive Compliance Officer following regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The appointment underscores the bank’s strategic focus on strengthening corporate governance, disciplined risk oversight and institutional resilience as it pursues its long-term growth and transformation plans.

Ayo Lewis joins Quest Merchant Bank with more than 33 years of extensive experience in the financial services sector, covering enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance and banking operations. Before his appointment, he served as Group Chief Risk Officer at Sterling Financial Holdings Company, where he led the development and execution of integrated risk management frameworks while overseeing enterprise-wide risk portfolios across several subsidiaries.

His earlier career included more than two decades in customer-facing banking roles across consumer, commercial and corporate banking, giving him a broad perspective that combines operational insight with senior-level risk leadership.

Quest Merchant Bank said this combination of frontline banking expertise and strategic risk management experience positions Lewis to support the institution’s continued expansion while maintaining responsible growth standards.

In his new role as Executive Director, Risk Management and Executive Compliance Officer, Lewis is expected to strengthen operational efficiency and deepen a risk culture centred on sustainable growth and regulatory compliance.

Commenting on the appointment, Afolabi Olorode, Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Quest Merchant Bank, said:

“Ayo’s appointment reflects our deliberate and disciplined approach to building a strong, forward-looking institution anchored on robust governance and sound risk practices. His depth of experience and proven leadership will be instrumental as we continue to execute our strategy and deliver long-term value to our clients and stakeholders.”

Lewis holds a degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Lagos and has completed executive education programmes at Stanford University, The Wharton School, London School of Management and Leadership, and Lagos Business School.