By Rita Okoye
Femi Olofinlua has solidified his reputation as a transformative leader in the field of technology and digital transformation, particularly within the financial services sector.
With years of experience leading high-value programs, Femi has consistently delivered impactful solutions that align technology strategy with business goals, creating both operational efficiencies and enhanced customer experiences. His leadership and innovative approach have enabled organizations to navigate complex digital landscapes, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to fuel growth and improve stakeholder satisfaction.
As a leader and advocate for Technology Transformation at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Nigeria, Femi has played a crucial role in driving the technological evolution of the organization. He has overseen the end-to-end delivery of digital platforms, banking applications, mobile apps, and CRM solutions, with budgets exceeding US$5 million. His extensive expertise in managing large-scale digital transformation projects has helped redefine business strategies, enabling the bank to scale and adapt in an increasingly competitive market.
Femi’s career is marked by his ability to blend advanced technical skills with a strategic vision, ensuring that technology not only meets operational needs but also drives long-term growth. His work spans multiple industries, with a particular focus on financial services and retail markets. Through a mix of innovative thinking and technical leadership, he has delivered numerous successful programs that have had a profound impact on customer acquisition, product adoption, and revenue growth. His leadership and expertise in this space are a testament to his unique ability to drive large-scale change across organizations.
One of Femi’s most notable achievements at Stanbic IBTC Bank involved the delivery of a mobile app that integrated eight subsidiaries of the organization into one seamless platform. This also included continous improvement on the super app and development of products that was pivotal in delivering the highest Profit After Tax (PAT) in the history of the organization for the year 2024. The app, which streamlined customer onboarding processes, resulted in over one million users being onboarded. This achievement was not only a technical success but also a key factor in the bank’s outstanding financial performance, further cementing Femi’s role as a visionary leader in digital banking.
At Stanbic IBTC Bank, Femi leads a team responsible for delivering core technology and digital assets. He ensures that all technology projects are executed efficiently and effectively, from ideation through to final delivery. Femi’s ability to manage complex digital projects, involving multiple stakeholders and technologies, has made him a key driver in the bank’s ongoing transformation. His oversight ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of customers, ultimately enhancing the organization’s competitive edge.
Femi is also responsible for driving the migration and adoption of digital technologies, ensuring that the bank’s platforms are continuously improved to meet the evolving needs of the business. His role extends beyond just project delivery; he is responsible for customer satisfaction and for ensuring the alignment of digital initiatives with broader business objectives. He works closely with resource planners to ensure the right resources are in place to meet the demand for technology projects, ensuring that timelines are met without compromising on quality.
A standout achievement in Femi’s career was his leadership in the deployment of a core banking application for two major Nigerian banks, each with a budget of US$5 million. This project required extensive coordination, technical expertise, and seamless integration of various systems to ensure a smooth transition. The successful delivery of this project reinforced Femi’s position as a leader in digital transformation within the banking sector. The core banking applications provided both banks with more efficient back-end processes, reducing operational costs while improving overall service delivery.
Femi’s technical expertise is underpinned by his deep knowledge of modern technology stacks, including microservices, APIs, cloud-native solutions, and the use of agile methodologies. He has worked with leading technology partners such as AWS, Google, Azure, and Salesforce to implement these technologies, ensuring that clients benefit from the most up-to-date solutions available. His experience spans agile and waterfall project management models, DevOps, and change management, all of which have been critical in the successful delivery of numerous technology initiatives. Additionally, Femi’s proficiency in data modeling, process analysis, and quality assurance reviews further ensures that the systems he oversees are both reliable and effective.
Beyond his technical prowess, Femi is known for his leadership and people management skills. He leads cross-functional teams, guiding them through complex technology implementations while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Femi’s ability to mentor and develop junior team members has helped build a pipeline of future technology leaders within the organization. His leadership extends to coaching, where he ensures that all team members have the opportunity to grow and develop in their roles, positioning them for long-term success in the industry.
In addition to his role at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Femi has held prominent positions in other organizations, including KPMG, where he contributed significantly to IT advisory services. At KPMG, he led multiple digital transformation projects, driving efficiencies and optimizing processes for a variety of clients. Femi’s contributions included creating customized process improvement applications, which automated critical workflows and improved tracking capabilities. His work at KPMG also involved delivering digital strategies and roadmaps for clients, helping them navigate the complexities of digital change in a fast-evolving marketplace.
Femi’s commitment to excellence has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Stanbic IBTC Bank Beyond Excellence Award for Excellence in Innovation, Leadership, and Teamwork for three consecutive years (2022–2024). He has also been recognized for his contributions to KPMG’s success, receiving the firm’s Exceptional Delivery Award and being appointed as a judge for the KPMG Hackathon initiatives in 2022 and 2023. These accolades reflect the high regard in which Femi is held by his peers and the broader industry, further validating his position as a leader in the field of digital transformation.