Today, an icon that has become an authority on capital markets, where few dare steer, was born. The big 60 is here and Arunma Oteh’s life and path shines like a diamond on her diamond jubilee. She is up there on the 6th floor where grace and guts has led her to.
It has been forty solid years of expertise in finance, governance, and international development. What a feat, what a legacy that echoes through distinguished finance walls, where her mark still speaks.
From connecting markets with economic goals, her depth pours like unending rivers. Call her a scholar and incisive leader and you would have just defined a woman who wears wisdom and grace like a cloak, illuminating unforgettable inspiration wherever she goes.
I celebrate the greatness that you carry and represent, the light that you shine, the inspiration that you give, the resilience that you show and the love that you spread. I love how you celebrate, support and encourage me with your kind words. I remember when I went to pay the renowned African investor and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, Chairman at Heirs Holdings a visit and to present his award to him for being a ‘He for She’ courtesy Inspiring Woman Series Conference, he told me you had seen it and that you were the first to tell him about it, and to ask if he had seen what I had put out in the papers. He asked me if you were part of the committee that made the selection and I told him you had no idea about it. He specifically mentioned he was shocked that you, being abroad had seen it before him in Nigeria, and mentioned you were the one who first brought it to his attention. That is who you are, very supportive. Practical example of “Women supporting women.” Thank you for being an inspiration to many men and women around the world.
Out of the generosity of her heart, Oteh chose to celebrate her 60th with the release of her masterpiece book called ‘All Hands on Deck’ which has been described as a useful introduction to capital markets, where she shares on the complex nuances of market structures, and further broke down the key stakeholders to ensure the book’s accessibility. The book provides important context before delving into her work leading the Securities and Exchange Commission. Drawing on practical anecdotes and insightful reflections, Oteh explains the unique challenges associated with leadership in the public sector alongside her own leadership philosophy known as the 4Cs – Character, Compassion, Competence, and Courage.
With the 2030 target for reaching the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals rapidly approaching, ‘All Hands on Deck’ reflects on the role capital markets need to play if we are going to reach these important milestones, including innovative financing solutions, and enhanced international cooperation.
Arunma Oteh is a global leader who has operated at senior levels at major multilateral agencies, government and private sector institutions. Her expertise covers international capital markets, risk management, regulation, strategy, P&L management, organisational change, governance, international development, and stakeholder management. She has been at the forefront of global innovative and impactful solutions that leverage finance and technology to address societal challenges including poverty, inequalities and climate change. She believes that society should work for all and currently spends her time working on initiatives that unleash the potential of young people, women and Africa. She is involved in charity around the world and through her foundation which provides medical and educational support to the vulnerable in Nigeria.
She currently chairs the Royal African Society, a U.K. based 123 year old organisation with HRH, Prince William, the Prince of Wales as patron. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the King’s Trust International, the international arm of the youth charity founded by King Charles in 1976. Co-Chair of the recently launched global task force on inequalities and social issues, and of the high level panel on disaster protection, Arunma is indeed shinning light!
Arunma sits on several Boards including the game-changing Afreximbank sponsored Pan African Payment Settlement Systems Initiative. She is an academic at University of Oxford. Her work covers the intersection of finance, development, leadership and sustainability.
She is the 12th treasurer of the World Bank since its founding in 1945. During her tenure, she led a team that managed the World Bank’s $200 billion debt portfolio as well as an asset portfolio of $200 billion for the World Bank and 65 central banks and other public sector clients. She was also responsible for an extensive public sector financial advisory business and back office operations, administering payments of over $7trillion. Other notable achievements include leveraging the capital markets for sustainability and leading innovations such as the first ever pandemic bond and the first ever blockchain bond.
Prior to joining the World Bank, Arunma Oteh was the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria. During this period, she led the rebuilding of the Nigerian capital markets after the global financial crisis and served on Nigeria’s Economic Management team, chaired by the Nigerian President. Previous to SEC Nigeria, she worked at the Africa Development Bank in a variety of roles including Group Vice President, Corporate Services and Group Treasurer. Her career started at Centre Point Investments Limited, Nigeria in 1985. Oteh holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a First Class Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She is a proud alumni of Federal Government Girls College, Owerri.
Giving back to society is also very important to her. Her charity activities include medical services and scholarships for the underprivileged. She also built a mini-stadium in her hometown in memory of her mother.
As sixty candles light up in celebration of you today, we celebrate your journey, your acumen and strength. May your visualisations steadily unfold, and in the hope of every woman who desires to tread your path, their stories also be told for good. Living legend, outstanding woman of value, Arunma Oteh, may you forever stand tall!
‘All Hands on Deck’ by Arunma Oteh is available on Amazon and in several leading bookshops
ACCOLADES
“All Hands On Deck powerfully narrates anecdotes on financial inclusion, a passion we both share. Her deep insights align with my own research on the transformative impact of accessible financial systems. This is an essential read for anyone committed to expanding opportunity through financial empowerment.”
— Prof. Peter Tufano, Baker Foundation Professor, Harvard Business School.
“A thought-provoking book about the important role of well-functioning transparent and connected capital markets.”
–JULIE BECKER, CEO, Luxembourg Stock Exchange”
“Arunma Oteh’s experience as Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission and as Treasurer of the World Bank brings depth and power to her account of leadership, governance, and capital markets.”
-NGAIRE WOODS, Founding Dean, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
“Arunma Oteh’s book is a masterclass. It articulates the transformative leadership needed to unlock the power of capital markets across Africa.”
-AKINWUMI ADESINA, President, African Development Bank Group.
‘This book is a must-read…brilliantly captures how well-functioning markets can transform can transform economies.”
-JINGDONG HUA, Vice-Chair, International Sustainability Standards Board.
“This insightful book powerfully advocates for the leadership required to build strong, resilient capital markets.”
-NANDINI SUKUMAR, CEO, World Federation of Exchanges
“The book is a profound exploration of leadership and capital markets, showcasing their critical roles in driving Africa’s economic transformation.”
-BENEDICT ORAMAH, President, African Export-Import Bank
“This is a must-read from a global expert on capital markets”
-MAKHTAR DIOP, MD, International Finance Corporation
“The book is invaluable for anyone looking to understand how finance can drive transformative change.”
-SOUMITRA DUTTA, Dean, Said Business School, University of Oxford
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