Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Securities Exchange

About the role

The Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic leadership for a SEC‑registered securities exchange operating across Nigeria and West Africa. Reporting to the Board, the CEO will drive growth, technological transformation and market development while ensuring full regulatory compliance and sustainable financial performance.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the long‑term strategic plan in line with Board directives and national capital‑market objectives.
• Lead transformation initiatives to modernise exchange infrastructure to international standards.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with other exchanges, multilateral institutions, DFIs, fintechs and market intermediaries.
• Serve as primary liaison with the SEC, maintaining compliance with ISA 2007, SEC rules, AML/CTF/KYC and other regulatory requirements.
• Oversee SRO duties including market surveillance, trading rule enforcement and disciplinary proceedings.
• Stimulate secondary‑market liquidity through market‑maker frameworks, broker‑dealer network expansion and investor education.
• Direct digital transformation projects such as modern trading platforms, electronic settlement systems and fintech‑enabled investor access.
• Deliver revenue and profitability targets and manage the organisation’s capital structure and funding strategy.
• Build and inspire a high‑performing team, fostering an ethical culture with zero tolerance for conflicts of interest.

Required profile

• Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in capital markets, securities regulation, financial services or exchange operations.
• At least 7 years in C‑suite or senior executive roles with full P&L responsibility.
• Proven experience engaging with the SEC, CBN or comparable financial regulators at senior level.
• Direct experience in managing a securities exchange or similar market infrastructure.

Required skills