Elias Igbinakenzua is a prominent figure in the Nigerian financial landscape, currently serving as the pioneer Managing Director and CEO of Globus Bank Limited. With a career spanning over 35 years, he has established himself as a veteran banker with a reputation for excellence and strategic leadership.
A Foundation of Academic and Professional Excellence
Igbinakenzua’s journey to the top of the banking industry began with a strong educational background. He earned a B.Sc. in Accounting from the University of Benin and later obtained an MBA from Enugu State University of Technology. To further his expertise, he completed an M.Sc. in Corporate Finance from the University of Liverpool.
His commitment to lifelong learning is evident through his completion of various executive education programs at world-renowned institutions, including:
• Harvard Business School
• Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
• INSEAD
• IMD Business School
Professionally, he is highly decorated as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), and the Chartered Institute of Credit Administration of Nigeria.
A Career Built in Tier-One Institutions
Before launching Globus Bank, Igbinakenzua spent more than 25 years climbing the ranks of the Nigerian banking sector. He is particularly noted for his 12 years spent as an Executive Director at two of the country’s most successful tier-one banks:
• Zenith Bank Plc: He served as an Executive Director for 8 years.
• Access Bank Plc: He served as an Executive Director for 4 years.
These roles provided him with the deep industry insights and leadership experience necessary to build a new financial institution from the ground up.
The Rise of Globus Bank
In March 2019, Igbinakenzua took on the challenge of leading Globus Bank as its pioneer MD/CEO. Under his guidance, the bank officially launched as a licensed commercial bank on November 6, 2019.
To compete in a crowded market, he introduced a “phygital” strategy, which cleverly blends traditional physical branch services with advanced digital banking tools. This approach proved highly successful; by the end of 2023, Globus Bank had grown its capital base to over 82 billion Naira.
Vision and Recognition
Igbinakenzua’s goal is to position Globus Bank as a leading provider of financial services by focusing on three main pillars: agility, technology, and customer-centricity.
His impact on the industry has not gone unnoticed. In March 2024, the Center for Values in Leadership (CVL) honored him as a role model, recognizing his significant contributions to industry leadership and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of banking professionals.
