The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria has announced plans for its 18th Annual Banking and Finance Conference, with a special focus on the intersection of banking, policy and technology.

At the world press briefing on Wednesday, the theme of the conference was revealed as ‘The New Economic Playbook: The Intersection of Banking, Policy, and Technology’.

The CIBN annual conference is scheduled for September in Abuja, with virtual participation from across the globe. It will bring together policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, academics, and industry leaders to explore how innovation and policy can drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s financial sector.

Speaking at the press conference, the President/Chairman of the Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, said that about 10,000 banking professionals are expected at the conference.

He said, “We expect the conference to attract over 10,000 professionals across the globe. This flagship event, which is hosted annually by CIBN, serves as a platform for all stakeholders in the banking and finance ecosystem, which includes policymakers, regulators, financial operators, academics, clients, and other interest groups, to be informed and also deliberate on critical developments within the sector and the broader economy.”

He affirmed that the event was in line with the Institute’s core mandate to consistently build the capacity of banking and finance professionals.

The Chairman of the Consultative Committee, Mrs Miriam Olusanya, who is also the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guaranty Trust Bank, provided the highlights of the conference.

Olusanya said, “With the advent of digital currencies, embedded finance, AI-driven systems, evolving consumer expectations and shifts in geopolitics, the economic assumptions of the past are being challenged, so there’s a need to continuously create a new operational framework.

She added, “Over the two-day event, apart from the high-profile dignitaries, we will also convene some of the most respected voices across finance, technology and policy development, who will not only provide local but also global and regional perspectives.”

She added that there will be a pre-conference event for younger banking professionals aimed at empowering the next generation of financial leaders with the theme ‘Unlocking Next Gen Potentials in a Digitally Disruptive World’.

The three business sessions highlighted by Olusanya, with the sub-themes, include Unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential: The role of the financial services industry. Adapting to global shocks: enhancing risk management, compliance and regulatory practices for sustainable growth and navigating the AI revolution: strategic direction for financial institutions.

“I’m sure we see that these three business sessions are highly relevant in today’s market. I am also really excited about the depth and relevance of this year’s programme and confident it will inspire bold ideas,” she said.

Other members of the committee include Co-Chairs Mr Wole Adeniyi, MD/CEO, Stanbic IBTC Bank, and Mrs Halima Buba, MD/CEO, Suntrust Bank, and the other Sub-Committee Heads, Mrs Mojisola Asieru-Sweet, who is also the first Vice President, CIBN, and Acting Head, Communication and Public Affairs, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Ms Hawwau Gambo, the Registrar/Chief Executive of CIBN, and Mr Akin Morakinyo, among others.