CIBN Lauds Keystone Bank CEO’s Bold Steps To Strengthen Lender’s Operations

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has lauded the managing director and chief executive officer of Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Hassan Imam, for the leadership qualities he has demonstrated in strengthening and repositioning the operations of the bank within a few months of assuming office.

The institute gave the commendation when the president of the body, Dr. Ken Opara, led the council on a courtesy visit to the management of the bank at its headquarters in Lagos last week Wednesday.

Opara stated that they were at the bank to congratulate the newly appointed chief executive of the financial institution and his team for the notable achievements which are on record within a short period, and to seek areas of mutually beneficial cooperation between the bank and the institute, even as he completes the tenure as the CIBN boss.

The CIBN chief specifically commended the bank’s drive in financial literacy, youths and entrepreneur’s empowerment, and reengineering of the brand.

Opara further enumerated the vision of the institute under his leadership, themed, FUTURE, and built on six pillars namely: Financial Innovation and Transformation, Dealing with Industry Uncertainties, Trade and Finance Collaboration, Unveiling Pathways for Membership Growth, Reengineering and Rebranding the Industry’s Business Model Around Gen Z and Ethical Conduct and Governance. He noted that the strategy is positioned to help the CIBN attract Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population.

In his comments, Mr. Imam thanked the president of CIBN and its council members for the visit. He further noted that as an active member of the Institute, Keystone Bank, under his watch, will continue to live by the tenets and ethics of the banking profession and will enthrone strong corporate governance culture.

The Keystone Bank boss noted that his assignment at the bank is to make positive changes and take the institute to an enviable height. He added that within three months of assuming office, the collective management has repositioned the bank and set it on a growth trajectory and profitability.

Imam further used the occasion to express appreciation to staff, customers, and stakeholders of the bank for the tremendous support and confidence they have reposed in him and his executive director, Mrs Nnenna Anyim Okoro.

According to Imam: “We are here to make changes, and the changes have started.

“Since we resumed, we’ve been working round the clock to fix things. We have been able to sustain the business and moved it to a better level. We have successfully moved account opening from 25,000 to above 50,000 monthly. I must tell you that we have some of the best hands in the industry.

“We have also planned initiatives to support the education system in Nigeria by supporting public schools with basic materials such as books, renovation of school buildings, etc.

LEADERSHIP reports that CIBN is the umbrella professional body for bankers in Nigeria.