Finance Professionals Urged To Look Beyond Numbers Amid Global Uncertainty

Finance professionals have been urged to look beyond financial figures and develop a deeper understanding of global economic developments to help businesses navigate geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and emerging risks.

The chief financial officer of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited, Ayoola Adeyeri, addressed the bank’s 2026 Finance Masterclass, which recently began in Lagos.

Adeyeri said finance professionals must understand the broader economic and geopolitical environment, anticipate emerging risks and opportunities, and provide insights that support sound business decisions.

He said the role of finance professionals had evolved beyond interpreting financial statements and analysing numbers to understanding the forces shaping businesses and markets.

According to him, the theme of this year’s masterclass, “Global Conflicts and Their Effect on the Economy,” is particularly relevant given rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and rapid global changes.

He said the programme was designed to broaden the perspectives of finance professionals and strengthen their capacity to navigate an increasingly complex business environment.

The two-day masterclass, scheduled for November 3 and 4, brings together finance professionals from across the bank’s West Africa cluster via both in-person and virtual sessions.

The programme features discussions on global economic and geopolitical developments, technology-driven innovation, technical accounting standards and the changing nature of the finance profession.

The 2026 edition features speakers and subject-matter experts from within and outside the bank, including Dr Obiora Madu, Kayode Abe and Ibrahim Baba Muhammed.

The masterclass is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to fulfil its Mandatory Continuing Professional Development requirements. The bank said the programme had grown into a platform for knowledge exchange and professional development since its introduction.

Its 2021 edition, themed “Are You Future Ready?”, received the 2022 Standard Chartered CEO’s Award in recognition of its impact. Previous editions featured industry experts, including Dr Doyin Salami, Dr Bismarck Rewane, Temi Popoola, Dr Sola Adeduntan and Dr Temitope Oshikoya.