The Hidden Truth About Financial Advisory Firms in Nigeria – What You Must Know!

Financial Advisory Firms in Nigeria

 

In Nigeria, financial advisory firms play a crucial role in helping individuals and businesses achieve financial security and growth. However, there are often hidden truths about these firms that many people are unaware of. Understanding how these firms operate can empower you to make informed decisions about your personal finances and investments. This article will explore the realities of financial advisory firms in Nigeria, focusing on key factors such as financial literacy, mutual funds, and budgeting. We will also provide insights into reputable firms like FSDH Asset Management, helping you navigate the often-complex world of financial advice.

What You Need to Know About Financial Advisory Firms in Nigeria

Nigeria’s financial landscape is diverse, with many advisory firms offering services ranging from investment management to personal finance advice. However, not all financial advisory firms are created equal. Some may not have the right qualifications or expertise to guide you effectively. This is where financial literacy becomes critical. Having a basic understanding of financial concepts such as budgeting, mutual funds, and return on investment (ROI) can help you evaluate whether a financial advisor is genuinely working in your best interest.

The Role of Financial Literacy in Making Informed Decisions

Financial literacy is the foundation of effective personal finance management. It encompasses understanding key financial principles such as budgeting, investing, and managing debt. Without financial literacy, it’s easy to fall victim to scams or make poor investment choices that could jeopardize your financial security.

In Nigeria, financial literacy levels remain relatively low. According to a 2020 report by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), only 38% of Nigerians are financially literate. This highlights the importance of seeking reliable financial advice and understanding the products or services that advisory firms offer. Educating yourself about mutual funds, asset management, and other investment options is essential to making the most of your money.

The Importance of Partnering with Reputable Firms

When seeking financial advice, it’s essential to partner with reputable firms that have a proven track record of success. FSDH Asset Management, one of the leading asset management companies in Lagos, offers Portfolio Management Services in Nigeria designed to help individuals grow their wealth strategically. Their expertise in managing investment portfolios, mutual funds, and funds management can guide you towards making informed decisions about your financial future.

Partnering with a reliable financial advisory firm ensures that your assets are well-managed, and that you are working with professionals who have your best interests at heart. These firms offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your financial goals, helping you achieve financial freedom and security.

Risks Associated with Financial Advisory and Products

While financial advisory firms can provide valuable insights and strategies, it is essential to understand the risks involved. Investing in mutual funds or other financial products always carries some degree of risk. For instance, the value of mutual funds can fluctuate based on market conditions, which may impact your returns. Additionally, the performance of any investment is never guaranteed, and you may not always see positive returns.

Before investing in any product, it’s essential to assess your risk tolerance, conduct thorough research, and consult with a trusted financial advisor. You should never invest money you can’t afford to lose.

Key Solutions for Financial Growth

To achieve financial freedom, you must take proactive steps towards managing your finances effectively. Here are a few practical tips to help you get started:

  1. Budgeting: Creating and sticking to a budget is one of the most effective ways to manage your personal finances. A budget helps you track your income and expenses, ensuring that you live within your means.
  2. Investing in Mutual Funds: Mutual funds are a popular investment option that pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio. They provide a low-cost way to invest in the stock market and other assets, offering potential returns over time.
  3. Utilizing Investment Platforms: Platforms like investment apps and online portals have made it easier for Nigerians to invest. These tools allow you to track investments, access reports, and manage portfolios in real time.
  4. Understanding Your Return on Investment (ROI): Whether you’re investing in mutual funds or other products, understanding your ROI is key to tracking your financial progress. ROI gives you a clear picture of how much profit or loss you are making on your investments.

Why Choose FSDH Asset Management?

FSDH Asset Management stands out among financial advisory firms in Nigeria. As a leading firm in the asset management space, FSDH offers tailored financial solutions to help clients achieve long-term financial security. With a focus on financial literacy and personalized advice, they empower individuals to make smarter financial choices. Their investment platforms offer easy access to mutual funds and portfolio management services, making it easy for clients to grow their wealth strategically.

FSDH’s team of experts has the knowledge and experience needed to help you navigate the complexities of investing and managing your finances. Their services cover everything from budgeting to providing financial updates and market trends, ensuring you stay informed and make the best decisions for your financial future.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Financial Future Today

The financial advisory space in Nigeria offers numerous opportunities to grow your wealth, but it’s crucial to choose the right firm and understand the risks involved. By improving your financial literacy and partnering with reputable firms like FSDH Asset Management, you can take control of your financial destiny and work towards achieving financial freedom and security.

Partner with FSDH Asset Management – Grow Your Wealth Strategically with FSDH’s Expert Investment Solutions. Contact us today at [email protected], 0201 700 8900, or visit https://www.fsdhaml.com/ to learn more.

By making informed decisions and seeking professional advice, you can build a secure financial future for yourself and your family. Don’t wait—start taking action today!

 

Head, Internal Control

Paul Babatunde

BACKGROUND

Paul Babatunde is the Head of Internal Control at FSDH Asset Management Ltd. He has over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. He began his career in 2008 as a Credit Processing Officer with the United Bank for Africa PIc. He later served as the team lead for Group Shared Services Helodesk and further moved through the ranks, serving in other capacities such as Fund Transfers, Payment Investigations Lead e.t.c. He joined Coronation Merchant Bank in 2016 as an Internal Control Officer and was later drafted to the Internal Audit division as a team lead in 2017, a position which he held until July 2019 when he joined Anchoria Asset Management Ltd as the Head – Compliance, Risk Management and Internal Control. He proceeded to Core Financial Group in 2020, where he served in the capacity of Group Head – Risk Management, Compliance and Internal Control, overseeing the activities of the Stock-broking, Asset management and DC subsidiaries of the group. Paul is a sponsored individual of the Securities and Exchange Commishion and holds a Bs in Accounting from the Lagos State University as well as the ISO 27001:2013 Lead Auditor certification as issued by the British Standards Institute.

Paul is a great achiever having led and delivered remarkably in his roles in the banking industry and capital markets. He has uncovered and resolved salient issues in his capacity within the Compliance, Risk Management and Internal Audit functions. He has also implemented several initiatives on process improvement, controls enhancement and risk management across various financial services institutions.

Head, Compliance

Adedayo Bello

BACKGROUND

Adedayo joined FSDH Asset Management team in 2021 as the Chief Compliance officer, where he coordinates all the regulatory and statutory Compliance of the Company. Prior to joining FSDH Asset Management Limited, he has worked with notable Financial Institutions within the Capital market.

He is a finance professional with over 15 years of experience in Investment Banking. He was Head Compliance at AIICO Capital Limited, and equally functioned as Internal Control Officer, Acting Team Lead, Investment/Treasury Operations, and member of a Reconciliation Team in the same organization.

He commenced his Financial Institution journey/career at United Capital Securities Limited, a subsidiary of United Capital PLC (Formerly UBA Capital) where he worked in various units like Operations, Reconciliation & Resolutions, and Business Development departments.

Adedayo holds a B.Sc. in Geology from University of Ado-Ekiti and Masters’ degree in Exploration Geophysics from Federal University of Technology, Akure. He is an accredited Compliance Officer with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Sponsored Individual.

Head, Operations

Chinedu Nnadi

BACKGROUND

Chinedu Nnadi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. He is currently running his Post-Graduate Diploma in the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos.

Chinedu is an Operations Specialist spanning over 17 (seventeen) years beginning from Union Systems Limited where he worked as the Systems Support/Analyst before joining the Operations Unit of Asset & Resource Management Co. Ltd (ARM Investment Managers). His time at ARM was one in which he was a key member of the Operations Unit where he was involved in organization-wide process improvement with his involvement in the Business Process Review (BPR) which identified inefficiencies and proposed improvements that led to timely execution of Strategic and Tactical transformation. This review greatly impacted on process efficiency, overall organizational effectiveness through transformation of resources, migration and adoption of relevant Information Technology tools for Operational efficiency.

He later joined Nova Asset Management Limited (NOVAMBL) as the Team Lead, Capital Market Operations where He was responsible for setting up of the Operations unit from the onset, from there, he joined FSDH Asset Management Limited where he currently sits as the Head of Operations.

Chinedu is vastly skilled and knowledgeable in the Nigerian Asset Management Operations and Regulations. Business Optimization, Process automation and Transaction processing, systems re-engineering. He is a driver of technology and operational initiatives.

He is happily married and has undergone professional trainings on Personal Improvements, Systems and Process Improvements, Financial Market Fundamentals.

Chief Investment Officer

Taofik Oyeniyi

BACKGROUND

Taofik Oyeniyi is the Chief Investment Officer at FSDH Asset Management Limited. He has over two and half decades of experience in the financial services industry across Treasury/Money market activities, Funds management, Balance Sheet and Liquidity Management, Business Development, Credit Analysis, and Structuring.

He started his Banking career in 1997 as an Executive Trainee at Equity Bank after a brief stint as an investment Officer at Compass Finance and Investment. He grew to the position of Chief Dealer before joining Intercontinental Bank as a Regional Head of Treasury in the Treasury and Investment Banking Division. In 2005. He joined Skye High Financial Services in 2010 as an Executive Partner and Division Head of Treasury and Funds Management. He worked in this capacity up until joining TAJ Bank as the Treasurer and Divisional Head of Treasury and Investment in 2019. He joined Radix Pension Managers in 2021 as the Divisional Head of Investment and Treasury.  He was responsible at Radix for formulating the overall Investment strategy for all funds managed, supervising Portfolio Managers in various investment activities, and ensuring funds are invested in line with asset allocation.

Taofik is a graduate of Business Administration and a holder of   MBA (Finance Major) degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He is a Chartered Accountant (ACA), an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), and a CFA Chartered Holder.

Chief Financial Officer

Funmi Olutebo

BACKGROUND

Funmilayo Oletubo is a finance professional with years of experience in business strategy, financial and performance management, liquidity management, operations control, risk management, taxation, project management and process optimization.

She is the Chief Financial Officer at FSDH Asset Management Limited “FSDH AM’”, where she acts as a strategic business partner for creating value and executing the firm’s financial strategies.

Before joining FSDH AM, Funmilayo started her career with Integrated Software Services Limited where she gained extensive knowledge for driving the efficiency of business with technology and financial solutions. She shortly after joined Chapel Hill Denham as an Investment Officer where she rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Vice President, finance and operations supporting the Investment Management, Securities Trading, Investment Banking and Trusteeship businesses. She was responsible for coordinating several responsibilities as: budget preparation, financial reporting and analysis, consolidated financial reporting, external audit liaison, management performance reviews, regulatory reporting, automation and system enhancement, asset and liability management, alternative fund accounting, investment accounting, standard operating policy development and compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards {IFRS}.

She holds a BSc in Applied Accounting and Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, Glasgow, United Kingdom and Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Nigeria respectively. She is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

She is happily married, passionate about socio-economic development and runs an NGO aimed at supporting the less privileged.

Head, Sales, FSDH Asset Management

Margaret Agbonlahor

BACKGROUND

Margaret joined the FSDH Asset Management team in 2020 as the Head of Sales, where she drives the various market segments; HNIs, Institutions and Retail. She has over 20 years of banking experience, with expertise in Sales, Business Development, Marketing and Portfolio Management. She is also an approved Corporate Client adviser. Before she joined FSDH, Margaret was a Team Lead for Core Banking Finacle Software Application change at Infosys, Bangalore India. She has garnered a deep understanding of the Fixed Income, Money Market and Equities Market, and attended several courses on Wealth and Portfolio Management. She holds a BSc. in Business Administration from the University of Benin and an MBA from the University of Lagos.

Non-Executive Director, FSDH Asset Management

Nike Ogunjimi

BACKGROUND

Nike is a finance professional with over 18 years of experience in investment management, financial advisory and commercial banking.

Over the span of her career, she has worked at several leading firms in the Nigeria financial services industry. She is currently a Director at Kuramo Capital Management where she focuses on investment management and investor relations activities. Prior to Kuramo, Nike was part of the Client Solutions team at Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria and provided financial advisory solutions to the bank’s local blue-chip clients.

She also worked at Afrinvest Limited and, as a senior member of the Investment Banking team, she led the execution of numerous headline M&A mandates for notable Nigerian companies. She was a member of the firm’s Management Team and had oversight responsibility for the Finance unit, alongside her investment banking duties.

Nike has also worked at ARM Investment Managers where, as part of the Investment Management team, she was responsible for covering various sectors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as well as international financial markets. She holds a BSc. Insurance from University of Lagos, Nigeria and an MSc. Finance from University of Leicester, UK.

Managing Director, FSDH Asset Management

Toyin Owolabi

BACKGROUND

Mr. Owolabi has over 20 years of banking experience and is the Group Head of Financial Institutions, responsible for developing and managing the relationship with all non-bank financial institutions and other institutional clients. Before joining FSDH, he worked at FCMB and at different times oversaw Financial Institutions, Correspondent Banking and Structured Funding. He was also the Head of treasury at IMB international Bank. Mr. Owolabi’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the University of Ilorin and an MBA from Business School Netherlands. He has attended numerous local and international courses and in addition to financial institutions, was responsible for wealth management and correspondent banking at FSDH Merchant Bank.

Non-Executive Director, FSDH Asset Management

Kelechi Okoro

BACKGROUND

Kelechi was at Argentil Capital Partners where he originated and executed infrastructure transactions. Prior to Argentil, he worked with the Infrastructure and Natural Resources Group of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and at ARM Investment Managers (with ~USD 2bn AUM), both in Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor’s in Human Physiology from the University of Ibadan, and an M.B.A. from Lagos Business School. He serves as a Non-Executive Director.

Non-Executive Director, FSDH Asset Management

Yasmin Belo-Osagie

BACKGROUND

She was a border in England before proceeding to Princeton where she graduated cum laude in History (major) and Finance (minor) in 2011. She attended Le Cordon Bleu (a hospitality education institution), in Paris and London. She studied at Harvard Law School and at Stanford Graduate School of Business, graduating with a JD/MBA in 2019. After her graduation from Princeton, Belo-Osagie worked with McKinsey & Company as a business analyst till 2013. While at McKinsey & Company, she met Afua Osei with whom she co-founded She Leads Africa. She serves as a Non-Executive Director with FSDH Asset Management Limited.

Non-Executive Director FSDH Asset Management

Folashade Ogunde

BACKGROUND

Mrs. Folashade Ogunde graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Economics from the University of Ife (1984) (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife). She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) (2005) and an associate member of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) (2015). She started her professional career with the firm of Deloitte Haskins & Sells (Chartered Accountants), where she gained accounting and audit experience, and had a stint in Treasury Management at Bancroll Savings & Loans Limited (1993 to 1995) and International Funding Group (Nig.) Limited (1991 to 1992) before joining UAC of Nigeria Plc in 1997. She has held such positions as Management Accountant, UAC Foods; Divisional Commercial Director, Mr. Bigg’s (now UAC Restaurants), Group Treasurer, UAC of Nigeria Plc and Executive Director, Finance at UACN Property and Development Company.

Chairman, FSDH Asset Management

Folashade Laoye

BACKGROUND

She is a graduate of University of Lagos (BSc Accounting, 1990) and qualified as an Associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales in 1995 and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria in 1997. She trained with Coopers & Lybrand, UK (now PricewaterHouseCoopers) from 1991 to 1995 and worked with the Corporate Finance Unit of First Securities Discount House (“FSDH”) from 1995 to 1997. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in charting the growth strategy of Hygeia for several years. She serves as the Chairman of the FSDH Asset Management Limited Board of Directors.