Meet Sola Yomi-Ajayi, global banking leader, finance strategist

Sola Yomi-Ajayi is a seasoned Nigerian banking executive with over 28 years of experience in corporate, institutional, and international banking.

She was recently appointed as a non-executive director at Heirs Holdings, an African investment company.

Over the years, she has built a strong reputation for leadership in international banking, regulatory engagement, structured funding, risk management, financial inclusion, transaction and correspondent banking, treasury, and operations.

Background

Born on September 12, Sola Yomi-Ajayi is a native of the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and holds an MBA from Aberdeen Business School, United Kingdom.

She has also completed executive leadership programmes at Harvard Business School and Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (UK).

Career milestones

Her career spans decades of managing complex international relationships and navigating global financial regulations.

She is recognised as a major contributor to United Bank for Africa’s international growth strategy.

Yomi-Ajayi currently serves as Executive Director for International Banking at UBA Group and Chief Executive Officer of UBA America.

In these roles, she leads strategy formulation and oversees UBA’s international operations across the United States, United Kingdom, France, Grand Cayman Islands, and Dubai-DIFC.

She also supervises the bank’s portfolios in diplomatic, multilateral, and development organisations, delivering tailored financial solutions across four continents.

Board memberships

Beyond her executive responsibilities, Yomi-Ajayi sits on several key boards.

She is a Director at the Business Council for International Understanding, a Director at UBA (UK) Ltd and a Trustee of the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, Inc.

She previously served as Executive Director and Head of International Banking at UBA Plc, where she helped deepen the bank’s global presence and strengthen its cross-border operations.

Personal life

Sola Yomi-Ajayi is happily married with children.

She continues to be a leading voice in global banking discussions and Africa’s role in international finance.

Achievements

Her influence in African finance expanded further with her appointment as a non-executive director at Heirs Holdings, reflecting confidence in her governance experience and ability to contribute to long-term corporate strategy at board level.