CardinalStone Partners Limited, a leading African financial services group, has solidified its position as a powerhouse in the capital markets, securing top-tier recognition at the prestigious DealMakers Africa Awards 2025.
The firm dominated the equity advisory rankings, claiming the top spot for Financial Adviser by Transaction Flow (Equity) while securing third place for Financial Adviser by Transaction Value.
The Director and Head of Investment Banking at CardinalStone, Onyebuchim Obiyemi, said, “Over the past year, we have remained focused on delivering innovative, well-structured solutions that meet our clients’ evolving needs.
Being recognised for both transaction flow and value speaks not only to the volume of our activity but also to the impact of the deals we bring to market.
“These awards are a reflection of the depth of our franchise and the consistency of our execution in the equity markets.”
The accolades underscore a banner year for the firm, which has played a pivotal role in major capital markets and M&A transactions. The industry’s confidence in CardinalStone’s execution capabilities was further highlighted by the nomination of the 15.9 per cent stake exit in Aradel Holdings, advised by CardinalStone, for the “Private Equity Deal of the Year”.
Reflecting on the broader implications of these achievements, the Group Managing Director of CardinalStone, Michael Nzewi, noted, “This recognition is a testament to the strength of CardinalStone Partners and our commitment to sustained leadership in the financial services industry. It reflects the synergy across our business lines and our ability to deliver end-to-end solutions that drive meaningful results for our clients. As we look ahead, we remain focused on deepening our market impact, expanding our capabilities, and continuing to set the standard for excellence in advisory services.”
The DealMakers Africa Awards are considered the benchmark for excellence in the sector, evaluating firms based on performance, innovation and strategic impact. For CardinalStone, this recognition builds upon a consistent track record, including maintaining the number-one ranking as a securities firm on the Nigerian Exchange by value for four consecutive years (2022–2025).
As the firm moves forward, it remains positioned to navigate the complex African financial landscape, backed by a reputation for delivering high-quality outcomes at scale.
