Keep in touch with meI'm using Intch to connect with new people. Use this link to open chat with me via Intch app
Work Background
Team Lead Environmental & Social Risk Management
Access Bank PlcTeam Lead Environmental & Social Risk Management
Mar. 2024Lagos State, NigeriaAt Access Bank, I oversee the Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) portfolio, helping to embed ESG standards into the bank’s lending and investment practices. I lead ESG due diligence on complex transactions—over $1.2 billion in project finance and institutional lending—ensuring alignment with the IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and host-country regulations. One of my key responsibilities is developing and maintaining ESG risk frameworks that have improved our due diligence process by 30%, enhancing both efficiency and compliance. I work closely with the Corporate and Investment Banking teams to incorporate ESG criteria into client evaluations, which has enabled the successful launch of sustainability-linked products and boosted ESG-aligned deal flow by 35%. I advise senior leadership and credit committees on ESG-related risks and emerging opportunities, supporting informed decision-making across high-impact sectors. Through this work, we’ve reduced high-risk exposure by 22% and improved overall risk governance. My role also includes regular engagement with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to secure foreign direct investment aligned with sustainability targets. I lead monthly reporting on emissions and credit impacts, and I conduct in-depth credit reviews to identify and resolve ESG-related concerns. Additionally, I help shape internal ESG policies and train frontline staff—over 60 relationship managers—to improve early risk detection and audit readiness.
Head, Employee Banking Segment (EVC)
Access Bank PlcHead, Employee Banking Segment (EVC)
May. 2022 - Feb. 2024Lagos NigeriaAs Head of Employee Banking Products, I was responsible for driving business growth through tailored banking solutions for employees of public institutions and private corporations. I led the acquisition and management of mandates from state governments, local councils, FMCG companies, and blue-chip firms—overseeing the full lifecycle from salary account onboarding to loan portfolio expansion. I successfully acquired and onboarded over 4,500 new salary accounts from top-tier corporate clients, bringing in stable monthly inflows of over ₦500 million. My portfolio included over ₦15 billion in digital lending and payroll loans, offering short-term credit to employees while ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal risk standards. Working across teams—including product development, risk, and digital banking—I helped design and launch employee-focused loan offerings. These efforts led to a 25% increase in loan uptake within a year. I also strengthened our presence in the public sector by streamlining account setup and onboarding, improving satisfaction across government institutions. Overall, my focus was on enhancing the bank’s visibility and penetration in underserved employee segments, growing liabilities through payroll processing, and ensuring our products met the evolving financial needs of workers.
Sector Head, Employee Value Chain (EVC) Manufacturing Sector
Access Bank PlcSector Head, Employee Value Chain (EVC) Manufacturing Sector
Jan. 2018 - May. 2022Lagos, V/IAs Sector Head for Retail Sales, I led business development and relationship management for key players in the FMCG, Telecommunications, and Manufacturing sectors. My focus was on delivering tailored financial solutions that addressed client-specific needs—ranging from working capital financing to digital and consumer loans. I worked closely with over 30 mid-to-large scale distributors, helping to improve their cash flow cycles and supporting their growth with customized lending strategies. These efforts drove a 20% increase in retail lending volume and expanded our wallet share in targeted sectors. I also led financing for property development projects valued at over ₦10 billion, ensuring full regulatory compliance and close alignment with execution timelines. Internally, I partnered with credit, risk, and product teams to improve operational workflows—cutting loan processing time by 15% and increasing client satisfaction. My mandate also included generating liabilities through payroll account management for clients in the manufacturing sector, maintaining strong institutional relationships while expanding our footprint in high-growth industries.
Team Lead, Value Chain Management (SME)
Access Bank PlcTeam Lead, Value Chain Management (SME)
Jan. 2014 - Dec. 2017Lagos State, NigeriaIn this role, I focused on acquiring and managing major dealers in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. My primary responsibility was to provide strategic financing solutions tailored to their business models and to support the recruitment and onboarding of sub-distributors to strengthen distribution networks. I worked closely with key stakeholders to understand their financial needs and offered lending structures that improved cash flow and inventory turnover. Beyond financing, I helped build and maintain long-term client relationships that promoted trust and business growth, while also supporting efficient and scalable distribution systems.
Relationship Manager, Telecoms
Access Bank PlcRelationship Manager, Telecoms
Jan. 2013 - Dec. 2014Lagos, NigeriaAs a Relationship Manager within the SME Business segment, I oversaw a diverse portfolio that included key players in the Oil & Gas, FMCG, and Telecommunications sectors. I built and managed partnerships with telecom providers such as Starcoms, Vodafone, and Multilinks, delivering tailored financial solutions that supported their operations and growth. I facilitated structured credit facilities and working capital loans for SME clients, ensuring alignment with sector-specific needs and business cycles. My efforts helped drive financial inclusion and scale across industries. I managed daily sales collections exceeding ₦10 billion from major FMCG distributors and Oil & Gas marketers, deepening our footprint in those sectors. I successfully onboarded over 150 SME accounts, which contributed to a 25% year-on-year revenue increase for the segment. I worked closely with credit and risk teams to maintain a strong portfolio quality, consistently keeping the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio below 3%. In addition to credit management, I advised clients on broader banking and investment strategies, helping to boost client satisfaction and long-term loyalty.
Relationship Manager
Access Bank PlcRelationship Manager
Jan. 2008 - Dec. 2012LagosAs a Relationship Manager in the Corporate & Institutional Banking division, I managed a high-value portfolio of clients in the Telecommunications, FMCG, and Infrastructure sectors. My focus was on building long-term relationships and structuring complex financial solutions that supported large-scale projects and operational growth. I successfully structured and executed corporate finance transactions and syndicated loans totaling over ₦20 billion, enabling clients to fund infrastructure development, network expansion, and capital improvements. In addition, I provided strategic advisory services on debt restructuring, financial planning, and investment decisions, helping clients improve profitability and operational efficiency. Collaborating with teams across risk, credit, and treasury, I delivered customized working capital and financing solutions that led to a 15% year-on-year revenue growth within my portfolio. I also prioritized client engagement and service delivery, maintaining a 95% client renewal rate through proactive support and value-driven conversations. My role also involved supporting telecom and FMCG dealers by offering responsive, tailored banking services to meet their evolving needs. I ensured the seamless management of credit facilities and consistently focused on delivering high-quality service that strengthened client trust and satisfaction.
Team Lead, Branch Co-ordination
Access Bank PlcTeam Lead, Branch Co-ordination
Jul. 2007 - Dec. 2008Lagos, V/IAs Team Lead for Branch Coordination, I oversaw the daily operations and strategic alignment of over 15 regional branches, ensuring consistent service delivery and operational efficiency across all locations. My role involved coordinating with commercial banking teams to secure necessary approvals and provide ongoing operational support, enabling branches to meet service standards and business targets. I worked to streamline workflows and standardize branch procedures, which led to a 20% reduction in turnaround time and improved overall customer experience. I also led a team of over 40 staff across locations, focusing on staff performance, regulatory compliance, and service quality. A key part of my role was fostering cross-branch communication and collaboration to ensure challenges were quickly addressed and best practices shared across the network. My leadership helped strengthen internal coordination, raise service levels, and align branch teams with corporate goals.
HR Recruitment
UBA GroupHR Recruitment
Jan. 2007 - Dec. 2007As a member of the Human Resources team, I supported a range of HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, and staff administration for a workforce of over 1,000 employees. I was actively involved in the end-to-end hiring process—screening candidates, conducting interviews, and aligning talent acquisition with the bank’s strategic goals and culture. I managed employee records and coordinated benefits administration while supporting regular HR reporting. These efforts contributed to a 15% improvement in process accuracy and audit preparedness. I also helped organize and deliver internal training programs aimed at staff development, fostering a learning culture within the organization. This role gave me a solid foundation in both operational and strategic HR, with a focus on people-centered processes and organizational effectiveness.
HR Compensation & Benefits Officer
UBA GroupHR Compensation & Benefits Officer
Jan. 2004 - Jan. 2007In this role, I managed the bank’s compensation and benefits programs, ensuring that employees received fair, consistent, and competitive remuneration. I was responsible for analyzing salary structures, benchmarking pay scales, and administering a wide range of employee benefits in line with both organizational policies and regulatory requirements. I worked closely with HR leadership to review compensation models, identify gaps, and recommend adjustments to support retention and employee satisfaction. My efforts contributed to improved internal equity, compliance with labor standards, and a stronger overall value proposition for staff. By maintaining up-to-date compensation data and ensuring transparent benefit administration, I played a key role in supporting employee morale and helping the bank remain competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.
Team Member – Retail Operations
UBA GroupTeam Member – Retail Operations
Jan. 2003 - Jan. 2004As a member of the Retail Operations team, I was responsible for supporting daily banking activities across the branch. I handled a range of tasks including transaction processing, customer account management, and front-desk service. On average, I supported over 200 daily customer interactions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and a consistent service experience. I contributed to the rollout of standardized retail procedures across multiple branches, which helped reduce transaction errors by 10% and improved overall audit performance. I also worked closely with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot service issues in real time, strengthening operational workflows and enhancing customer satisfaction. This role gave me a strong foundation in branch operations and customer engagement, while building my attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and understanding of core banking processes.

Requests

Touchpoint image
0
Personal Pitch
Website & Marketing Solutions
Touchpoint image
0
Personal Pitch
Comprehensive Business Solutions
Intch is a Professional Networking App for the Future of Work
300k+ people
130+ countries
AI matching
See more people like Maria on Intch
Copywriting
1122276 people
25
Marketing Campaigns Lead, Copywriter @ Athlai
20
Transcriptionist, Proofreader, Editor, Data Entry Specialist
17
Director of Business Development @ DSBA Engineering Limited
CopywritingProofreader
359455 people
20
Transcriptionist, Proofreader, Editor, Data Entry Specialist
17
Director of Business Development @ DSBA Engineering Limited
40
Data/ Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist