The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has urged banking professionals to prioritize continuous skill development as artificial intelligence (AI) and technological innovations reshape the financial services industry, according to Dele Alabi, president/chairman of the CIBN Council. Speaking at the 2026 Stream II Chartered Banker Induction Programme in Lagos, Alabi outlined the challenges posed by technological disruption, economic uncertainty, and geoeconomic fragmentation, stressing that future-readiness requires anticipating changes, exercising sound judgment, and maintaining ethical standards. "Future-readiness is not simply the ability to adapt after change has occurred. It is the capacity to anticipate emerging developments, exercise sound judgement in uncertain circumstances, harness innovation to create value, and remain anchored in ethical principles," Alabi stated.",
Alabi cited the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, which projected that 22% of formal jobs globally would undergo structural transformation by 2030, with 92 million existing roles displaced and 170 million new positions created. He linked these trends to the CIBN’s IMPACT Vision, which emphasizes skills development, technology, automation, and ethical conduct. "The financial services environment is evolving rapidly, and professionals must acquire competencies to navigate this shift," Alabi said, urging bankers to embrace innovation while upholding integrity.",
Olusegun Alebiosu, CEO of FirstBank and a CIBN Fellow, echoed Alabi’s concerns, noting that disruption has become the banking industry’s permanent operating environment. "Customers now expect transactions completed within seconds, and businesses demand quicker decisions, driven by new technologies that redefine service delivery," Alebiosu said. He highlighted the growing importance of sound judgment amid inflation, cyber threats, and global uncertainty, adding that "disruption is no longer temporary; it is our operating environment." Alebiosu emphasized that future-ready bankers must balance leadership, innovation, and ethics, with leadership defined by decision-making in ambiguity and accountability for mistakes.",
Alebiosu also stressed that while technology drives customer expectations for speed, convenience, and personalization, innovation must not compromise risk management. "Technology and markets will change, but integrity must not," he said, underscoring that ethics remain the foundation of banking. He urged new Chartered Bankers to prioritize learning, curiosity, and ethical conduct, warning against trading integrity for short-term gains. "The future of banking will be shaped by people who use sound judgment, welcome new ideas, and do the right thing even when no one is watching," Alebiosu concluded.",
The CIBN inducted 2,178 new Chartered Bankers during the event, including 1,439 through the Standard Chartered Banker (ACIB) Route, 222 via the Lagos Business School/Chartered Banker Route, and 500 Microfinance Certified Bankers (MCIB). Aishuai Xie, managing director of OPay Microfinance Bank and speaking on behalf of MCIB inductees, emphasized the responsibility of the newly certified professionals to uphold banking values, ethics, and integrity. "This induction marks a professional milestone and a commitment to contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s financial services growth," Xie said.",
The event underscored the critical role of adaptability and ethical leadership in navigating the evolving banking landscape. With AI and automation redefining job roles, the CIBN’s call for upskilling reflects a broader industry imperative to balance technological progress with human-centric values. As the financial sector grapples with disruption, the emphasis on continuous learning and integrity remains central to sustaining trust and resilience in Nigeria’s banking system.
AI and Tech Reshape Banking Jobs: CIBN Urges Continuous Upskilling
AI and Tech Reshape Banking Jobs: CIBN Urges Continuous Upskilling