As the first female Managing Director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), a seasoned chartered accountant, and a global finance professional with credentials that span ICAN, CFA, and CISA, Oluwayemisi “Yemisi” Edun has carved her name into Nigeria’s banking history. She has risen to the top of a fiercely competitive industry, steering one of the nation’s leading banks with vision and resilience. But how does a young woman who once studied Chemistry at the University of Ife rise to become one of the most powerful figures in Nigerian banking today?
Born in Lagos State, Nigeria, Yemisi grew up in a modest but disciplined environment that emphasized education, hard work, and integrity. Her childhood was marked by both inspiration and loss, as she tragically lost her mother to breast cancer in 1974. That experience left a deep impression on her, sparking a lifelong determination to succeed and a curiosity about science and solutions to life’s greatest challenges. Guided by that resolve, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she cultivated the analytical and problem-solving skills that would later define her career. Though she began in the sciences, her ambition pushed her further, leading her to obtain a Master’s degree in International Accounting and Finance at the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, a decision that unlocked the door to the world of finance.
Her professional journey began in 1987 at Akintola Williams Deloitte, one of Nigeria’s foremost auditing and financial advisory firms. At Deloitte, she specialized in corporate finance, auditing banks, and consulting for financial institutions. It was an environment defined by precision and accountability, and she quickly stood out for her diligence and technical expertise. The rigor of those early years gave her a strong foundation in financial systems and reinforced her values of discipline and excellence, qualities that would shape her path in banking.
In 2000, she joined First City Monument Bank as the Divisional Head of Internal Audit and Control, during a period of sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s banking sector. Her leadership in compliance, governance, and risk management helped to strengthen FCMB’s internal systems and safeguard its reputation. Over the years, her dedication and skill earned her a promotion to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), placing her at the center of the bank’s financial strategy. In that role, she guided FCMB through economic transitions with foresight and stability, earning respect as a steady and dependable leader.
The defining moment of her career came in May 2021, when the Central Bank of Nigeria approved her appointment as Managing Director of FCMB, making her the first woman in the bank’s history to hold the position. This achievement was more than a personal triumph, it was a groundbreaking moment for women in Nigeria’s banking industry. Her appointment sent a powerful message: that vision, competence, and character can break entrenched barriers. For many young women, her rise became proof that there are no limits to what dedication and talent can achieve.
Beyond her executive responsibilities, Yemisi has built a reputation as a lifelong learner and professional leader. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder, and a member of global professional bodies such as ISACA (U.S.A.), where she is also a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). These achievements underscore her commitment to continuous growth and global standards of excellence. Under her leadership, FCMB has continued to embrace innovation, deepen financial inclusion, and build trust with its customers, strengthening its role as a forward-looking financial institution.
Oluwayemisi Edun’s journey—from a little girl in Lagos shaped by personal loss to a trailblazer in global finance—is one of courage, resilience, and purpose. She has shown that beginnings do not determine destiny, and that with grit, focus, and unwavering dedication, barriers can be broken and new paths created. In the words of Kenneth H. Blanchard, “There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstances permit. When you’re committed, you accept no excuses—only results.” That spirit of commitment defines Yemisi Edun and continues to propel her at the pinnacle of Nigerian banking.
