Bank Auditors Charged On Emotional Intelligence

The chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd, Dalu Ajene, has called auditors to apply emotional intelligence in addressing the inherent challenges that come with practising their profession.

He made the call in his keynote speech at the 58th quarterly general meeting of the Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria (ACAEBIN), in Lagos.

Themed: “Being a Human Auditor in a Challenging Environment,” Agene averred that the meeting was timely and crucial, as according to him, “we live and work in an era marked by rapid technological changes, economic uncertainties, and evolving regulatory landscapes.”

The Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd CEO pointed out that the role of an auditor has always been complex, as it requires not only technical proficiency and an unwavering commitment to ethical standards on the part of practitioners of the profession, but also that they have the ability to navigate the human aspects of their work.

He stated: “You must understand that behind every transaction, every financial statement, and every compliance check, there are people—people whose lives and livelihoods depend on your diligence, transparency, accountability and integrity. In doing so, you safeguard not only the assets of your banks but also the trust placed in us by our stakeholders, customers, and the broader community. However, beyond the technicalities and regulatory requirements, there lies an essential truth: we are humans auditing for humans.”

Continuing, he said: “Being a human auditor means embracing the essence of empathy and ethical responsibility. It involves recognizing the pressures and challenges faced by your colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders. It means fostering an environment where open communication, mutual respect, and professional integrity are paramount. In doing so, you build trust, not just in your reports and audits, but in the very institutions you serve. You must therefore acknowledge the inherent challenges that come with the audit profession and the broader environment you operate in. It requires you to exercise not just your analytical acumen but also your emotional intelligence.”

“In these challenging times, the human touch becomes even more critical. It is what allows us to build resilient teams, foster trust, and create systems that are not just compliant but also adaptable and forward-looking,” he added.

Ajene said he was impressed with the level of training that ACAEBIN exposes its members and Internal Audit teams to, stating that; “This is a testament that the Association understands the importance of up-skilling, especially in this era of rapid pace of technological advancement, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain and the opportunities and challenges both presents.”

He noted that while the “progress and contributions the Association has made in the industry is commendable,” members of the association should intensify their efforts in addressing challenges and developing strategies, “ that will help the banking industry navigate these turbulent times with confidence and integrity.”

In his address, ACAEBIN chairman, Prince Akamadu, expressed gratitude to Mr Ajene and Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd for once again hosting a meeting of the association.

He also expressed his appreciation to the association’s members, regulators in the banking industry as well as law enforcement agencies for their support and contributions to the growth of ACAEBIN and the field of audit in the country’s banking industry.

According to him, the meeting was an opportunity for members of the association to reflect on and explore how they can continue to be effective auditors while maintaining their humanity.

“Being a human auditor means balancing the rigours of our profession with empathy, ethical judgment, and a commitment to the greater good. It involves understanding the broader impact of our work on people, organisations, and society,” Akamadu stated.