FMDQ Group appoints Akaraiwe as GMD/CEO

FMDQ Group PLC has announced the appointment of Mr. Zeal Akaraiwe as its new Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

The appointment is subject to official approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria, a statement from FMDQ revealed.

Mr. Akaraiwe brings over 25 years of extensive international and domestic experience to the role. His career spans robust expertise across financial markets, treasury systems, derivatives, structured finance, risk management, and regulatory advisory, with a proven track record of leadership in Nigeria, Zambia, and the United Kingdom.

Prior to his appointment, he served as the founder and CEO of Graeme Blaque Advisory, a prominent financial risk and derivatives advisory firm.
The transition follows the retirement of the pioneer GMD/CEO, Bola Onadele Koko, who stepped down after a transformative 12-year tenure at the helm of the institution. Under Onadele’s leadership, FMDQ evolved from an over-the-counter platform into a premier financial market infrastructure group.

In ita announcement, FMDQ Group expressed immense optimism about its future leadership, noting that Mr. Akaraiwe’s wealth of expertise is perfectly positioned to pilot the Group into its next strategic phase of growth and innovation.

The board and management emphasized their commitment to the continued advancement of efficient, innovative, and globally competitive financial markets within the region.