Stanbic IBTC Nominees Marks 30 Years as Custody Leader

MOTOLANI OSENI

Stanbic IBTC Nominees Limited has commemorated three decades of operations with a landmark gala themed “30 Years of Trust,” reaffirming its strategic role in safeguarding assets and strengthening Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure.

The event brought together regulators, institutional investors, market operators and senior executives across the financial services industry to celebrate the firm’s journey since its establishment in 1996 and its evolution into one of Nigeria’s leading custodians.

Over the past 30 years, the company has provided asset servicing, safekeeping and investment administration solutions to pension fund administrators, asset managers, insurance firms and other institutional investors, positioning itself as a critical backbone of market stability and investor confidence.

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Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Wole Adeniyi, described the custody business as central to the Group’s long-term growth strategy and Nigeria’s capital market development.

“Our vision is to be Africa’s most innovative and trusted custody provider, leveraging cutting-edge technology while maintaining the personalised service that has defined us for 30 years. The next 30 years will be about combining global expertise with local insight to create unparalleled value for our clients and supporting Nigeria’s capital market growth with infrastructure that meets global standards,” he said.

Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Nominees, Mr Babatunde Majiyagbe, said the firm’s competitive edge lies in its holistic custody framework, which integrates settlement efficiency, accurate reporting and regulatory compliance support.

“What truly distinguishes us is our holistic approach; we do not just safeguard assets, we provide comprehensive solutions. Our track record of zero tolerance for operational errors and consistent regulatory compliance reflects our commitment to being more than service providers; we are trusted partners to Nigeria’s leading institutional investors,” he stated.

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The firm’s growth trajectory has coincided with major regulatory reforms and technological shifts within the capital market, including automation of settlement systems and enhanced compliance standards. By aligning with global best practices, the company has reinforced investor trust at a time when custody integrity remains critical to attracting both domestic and foreign capital.

Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr Jude Chiemeka, described the partnership as instrumental to operational efficiency and market confidence.

“Our partnership with Stanbic IBTC has been transformative. Beyond technology, it is the people that make the difference; their team is responsive, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in our success. We view them as strategic partners rather than just service providers,” he said.

As part of its forward strategy, the firm pledged continued investment in technology, human capital and expanded service offerings to meet evolving client demands, particularly as Nigeria’s capital market deepens and institutional asset pools grow.

The 30-year milestone underscores Stanbic IBTC Nominees’ standing as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s financial infrastructure and highlights the increasing importance of robust custody systems in supporting pension growth, capital formation and long-term economic development.