Coronation Merchant Bank Appoints Paul Abiagam as Managing Director/CEO

Coronation Merchant Bank is pleased to announce the conferment of Mr. Paul Abiagam as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1, 2024, following approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This appointment comes in the light of the Bank’s 10th year anniversary, marking a significant milestone as the institution enters a new decade of growth, strengthened leadership, and strategic renewal.

Mr. Abiagam assumes this role after serving as Acting Managing Director, where he provided steady direction and advanced key initiatives, including the launch of the Vintage Naira and Dollar Accounts, the expansion of the VISA Cards offering, and the deepening of strategic partnerships across payments, private banking, and trade operations.

With over 27 years of experience across commercial and corporate banking, pensions, fund management, strategy, investment banking, and risk management, Paul has built a strong reputation for leadership and industry-wide impact. His career spans notable roles at Diamond Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank, where he served as Divisional Head for both Commercial and Corporate Banking, as well as Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Pension Managers. He also served as a Non-Executive Director at GTBank Côte d’Ivoire.

Beyond his executive roles, he is recognised as a thought leader in Africa’s financial landscape, having spoken on major continental platforms including the Africa Financial Industry Summit (AFIS) and the Africa CEO Forum, where he has led important conversations on competitiveness, innovation, governance, and the future of African finance.

Mr. Abiagam is a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA-UK), and an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (HCIB). He is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School and Nanyang Business School, Singapore.

Speaking on the appointment, the Board noted:

“Paul’s appointment reflects our confidence in his capability to drive the Bank’s next chapter. His depth of experience, strategic clarity, and active voice in Africa’s financial dialogue position him strongly to lead Coronation Merchant Bank into its next decade.”

Responding to the announcement, Mr. Abiagam stated:

“I am honoured to assume this responsibility at such a defining moment for Coronation Merchant Bank. As we celebrate 10 years of growth and excellence, I look forward to working with our teams and partners to build on our momentum and deliver lasting value.”

His appointment comes on the back of a year marked by major accomplishments for the Bank, including multiple local and international recognitions for investment banking, brand leadership, and capital markets excellence.