Access Holdings IT Director Olanrewaju Bamisebi Retires After Four Transformative Years

Access Holdings Plc has announced the retirement of its Executive Director, Information Technology and Digitalisation, Olanrewaji Bamisebi, marking the end of a four‑year tenure that reshaped the bank’s technology landscape. The announcement, made on 10 October 2026, underscores a period of rapid digital adoption, heightened cybersecurity measures, and a cultural shift towards data‑driven decision‑making within one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions. This milestone highlights the Access Holdings IT director retirement as a pivotal moment for the group and the wider African fintech ecosystem.

What the retirement means for Access Holdings

Olanrewaji Bamisebi’s departure comes at a time when Access Holdings is consolidating the gains from its ambitious digital agenda. Over the past four years, the bank rolled out a suite of mobile banking apps, introduced AI‑powered credit scoring, and migrated core banking systems to a cloud‑first architecture. These initiatives have not only improved customer experience but also positioned the group as a benchmark for digital innovation across West Africa.

Industry observers note that the timing of the retirement aligns with the bank’s strategic plan to hand over the reins to a new leader who can build on the solid foundation laid by Bamisebi. The board has indicated that the successor will be tasked with deepening the integration of fintech partnerships, expanding open‑banking APIs, and further strengthening cyber‑resilience in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2026 regulatory framework.

Four years of digital transformation: Key milestones

When Bamisebi joined Access Holdings in 2022, the bank was still reliant on legacy mainframe systems that limited its ability to roll out new products quickly. Within his first year, he championed the migration of the core banking platform to a hybrid cloud environment, reducing system downtime by 30% and cutting operational costs by an estimated 12%.

Subsequent milestones include:

• Launch of the Access Mobile App (2023): A user‑friendly interface that supports account opening, fund transfers, and loan applications, now serving over 2 million active users across Nigeria and Ghana.
• AI‑driven Credit Scoring (2024): Leveraging machine learning models to assess creditworthiness, resulting in a 15% increase in loan approval speed and a 9% reduction in non‑performing loans.
• Open Banking Initiative (2025): Introduction of secure APIs that allow third‑party fintechs to embed Access services, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of digital financial products.
• Cybersecurity Overhaul (2026): Implementation of a zero‑trust architecture and continuous threat monitoring, earning the bank a regional award for information security excellence.

These achievements have not only boosted the bank’s market share but also set a precedent for other African financial institutions seeking to modernise their IT infrastructure.

Leadership style and cultural impact

Bamisebi is widely praised for his collaborative leadership style. He cultivated a culture of continuous learning, encouraging staff to pursue certifications in cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Under his guidance, the IT department grew from a modest team of 45 engineers to a robust hub of over 150 specialists, many of whom are young Nigerian talent.

His emphasis on inclusive innovation—particularly the mentorship of women in tech—has contributed to a 40% increase in female representation within the technology division. This focus aligns with broader national goals to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields, a priority echoed by the Nigerian Ministry of Science and Technology’s 2026 agenda.

Practical examples of transformation projects

Example 1: Cloud‑based Loan Origination Platform

The bank replaced its on‑premise loan processing system with a cloud‑native platform that integrates real‑time credit scoring APIs. The new system reduced average loan approval time from 48 hours to under 8 hours, enabling faster access to credit for small‑business owners in Lagos and Kano.

Example 2: Mobile Money Integration

In 2025, Access partnered with a leading mobile network operator to embed mobile money wallets directly into the Access Mobile App. Customers can now top‑up, withdraw, and pay merchants without leaving the banking interface, driving a 22% increase in digital transaction volume within six months.

Implications for the broader African fintech landscape

The retirement of a high‑profile IT director like Bamisebi sends ripples through the continent’s fintech community. Access Holdings has been a key partner for startups in Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt, providing sandbox environments for testing new payment solutions. Continuity in leadership will be crucial to maintaining these collaborations.

Moreover, the bank’s success story illustrates the scalability of digital solutions in emerging markets. By showcasing how cloud migration, AI, and open banking can be executed within a regulated environment, Access Holdings offers a blueprint for regional banks aiming to compete with global fintech giants.

What’s next for Access Holdings?

While the board has not yet disclosed the name of Bamisebi’s successor, the strategic roadmap points to several priority areas:

1. Expansion of digital credit products: Leveraging alternative data sources to reach underserved segments in rural Nigeria and beyond.
2. Strengthening cross‑border payments: Building on the existing API framework to facilitate seamless transfers between West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries.
3. Enhanced data analytics: Deploying advanced analytics to personalise customer journeys and improve risk management.
4. Green IT initiatives: Investing in energy‑efficient data centres to align with Nigeria’s 2026 sustainability targets.
5. Talent pipeline development: Expanding partnerships with Nigerian universities and coding bootcamps to ensure a steady flow of skilled technologists.

These initiatives are expected to drive revenue growth and reinforce Access Holdings’ position as a digital leader in the African banking sector.

FAQ

• When did Olanrewaji Bamisebi retire? He officially stepped down on 10 October 2026 after completing four years as Executive Director, IT and Digitalisation.
• What were the major achievements during his tenure? Key milestones include cloud migration, the launch of the Access Mobile App, AI‑driven credit scoring, an open‑banking platform, and a comprehensive cybersecurity overhaul.
• Who will replace him? The board has announced that a successor will be appointed in the coming months, with a focus on continuity of the digital transformation agenda.
• How will the retirement affect ongoing projects? Existing projects will continue under the oversight of the senior IT leadership team, with the board ensuring minimal disruption and adherence to the 2026‑2029 digital roadmap.
• What opportunities does this create for fintech partners? The transition opens a window for fintechs to propose collaborative pilots, especially in areas such as blockchain‑based trade finance and AI‑enhanced fraud detection.

For further details, see the original announcement on Nairametrics.

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