Quest Merchant Bank has strengthened its governance and risk leadership with the appointment of Ayo Lewis as Executive Director, Risk Management and Executive Compliance Officer, following approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The move signals the bank’s intensified focus on institutional resilience, regulatory compliance, and disciplined risk management as it pursues its long-term growth strategy.

Lewis, whose full name is Andrew Olufunmilayo Lewis, brings more than three decades of experience in the financial services sector, covering enterprise risk management, compliance, and core banking operations. He joins from Sterling Financial Holdings Company, where he served as Group Chief Risk Officer and led the development of integrated risk frameworks across its subsidiaries.

His career also includes over 20 years in market-facing roles across consumer, commercial, and corporate banking, experience the bank says positions him to balance growth objectives with prudent risk oversight.

In his new role, Lewis is expected to strengthen the bank’s risk culture, improve operational efficiency, and ensure alignment with evolving regulatory standards.

Commenting on the appointment, Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Olorode, said the decision reflects a deliberate strategy to build a resilient and forward-looking institution.

“Ayo’s 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,” he said.

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

The appointment comes as banks across Nigeria face increasing regulatory scrutiny and a heightened need for robust risk frameworks amid a dynamic economic environment.