Chartered Banker MBA alumna recognised as Trailblazer in African finance

The Trailblazer Award recognises exceptional leaders whose careers have reshaped the financial services landscape through courage, innovation and inclusive leadership. Rafiat’s professional journey exemplifies these values and reflects the global impact of Bangor’s Chartered Banker MBA community.

With a career spanning several decades, Rafiat has built a reputation for bold decision‑making and purpose‑driven leadership. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB), the Enterprise Risk Professionals (FERP) and the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA), demonstrating both technical excellence and a deep commitment to professional standards.

Rafiat currently serves as Managing Director of Financial Inclusion Centers in Lagos, Nigeria, a stakeholder‑owned organisation driving industry‑wide initiatives to expand access to financial services. In this role, she leads strategic programmes focused on leadership, execution and sustainable financial inclusion. She also continues to champion gender parity through her leadership of professional networks supporting women in banking.

A proud graduate of the Chartered Banker MBA at Bangor University (2014–2016), Rafiat’s academic journey also includes executive education at Lagos Business School and an MBA from Lagos State University. Her achievements highlight the value of postgraduate study in equipping leaders with the skills, confidence and global perspective needed to drive change.

Beyond her personal success, Rafiat is widely recognised as a mentor and advocate for inclusive leadership. Her work continues to open opportunities for emerging talent and to redefine what leadership looks like in African finance.

This award is a fitting recognition of a leader who does not simply open doors, but creates new spaces for others to succeed.

Find out more about the Chartered Banker MBA at Bangor University and how it can support your leadership journey.