Fiona Ahimie shatters glass ceiling as first female CIS President

A 15-year finance veteran takes the helm at CIS, breaking barriers in Nigeria's stockbroking industry. What's next for the Institute under her leadership?

, and ASMedia

2026 May 1 . 12:10 PM

2 min read

The image shows a black and white photo of a woman in a dress, believed to be the first woman to be... — The image shows a black and white photo of a woman in a dress, believed to be the first woman to be elected President of the United States. She is standing in a dignified pose, her hands clasped in front of her and her head held high. Her expression is one of determination and strength, as if she is ready to take on any challenge.

Fiona Ahimie shatters glass ceiling as first female CIS President

Fiona Ahimie has been elected as the 14th President and Chairman of the Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), becoming the first woman to hold the position in the Institute's history.

Her election by the Council marks a significant milestone for gender inclusion at the highest level of the Institute.

Ahimie will succeed Oluropo Dada and is scheduled to be formally inaugurated on June 25, when her tenure officially begins.

Outgoing President Oluropo Dada expressed confidence in Ahimie's leadership and her ability to build on existing progress.

"Fiona Ahimie brings proven expertise, strong leadership, and a clear vision for the Institute's future."
"I am confident she will build on the progress made and further strengthen the Institute's role in the financial services sector."

Her emergence also reflects the Institute's structured succession process, having previously served as 2nd Vice President and later 1st Vice President.

Following her elevation, Dr. Akeem Oyewale has assumed the role of 1st Vice President, while the position of 2nd Vice President will be filled in due course.

Dada, during the Institute's 31st Annual General Meeting in Lagos, highlighted key achievements recorded during his tenure.

Implementation of the Corporate Strategic Plan (2024-2030).
Upgrade of the CIS Diploma to Certified Securities and Investment Support Specialist (CSISS).
Increased media visibility and restructuring of the Institute's Secretariat.
Progress on the CISIN Bill enactment and successful hosting of the 2025 National Workshop in Abuja.

He also noted improvements in funding, debt recovery efforts, and broader stakeholder engagement across the industry.

Ahimie brings over 15 years of experience in the financial services sector and currently serves as Managing Director of First Securities Brokers Limited, a subsidiary of First Holdco Plc.

She has held senior roles at LeadCapital, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers, FBNQuest Capital, and African Alliance Securities Nigeria.
Her expertise spans trading, client development, and market strategy.
She holds an MBA from Lagos Business School and a diploma from IESE Business School, Spain.
She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

Her extensive professional background positions her to drive the Institute's next phase of growth and development.