Union bank unveils new era of growth and innovation

This is a pivotal moment in our 108-year history, launching greater value for customers; we remain steadfast in being Nigeria’s most reliable and trusted financial partner.

Yetunde Oni, CEO, Union Bank

For over a century, Union Bank has stood as a beacon of financial excellence in Nigeria, with its legacy woven into the fabric of the nation’s economic growth. Under the stewardship of Yetunde Oni, the bank embarks on a new chapter, one that champions women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership. Oni’s appointment as CEO marked a watershed moment, symbolizing the bank’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and female leadership. As Oni navigates the complexities of Nigeria’s financial landscape, her vision for a more equitable and innovative banking sector takes center stage. She’s not just breaking barriers; she’s reimagining what’s possible for women in finance. Her leadership is a testament to the bank’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed. This is the story of a bank that is not just breaking barriers, but shattering glass ceilings. With a rich history of supporting women’s advancement, Union Bank is poised to deliver enhanced value to customers, supported by strengthened digital channels and a commitment to excellence.

Empowering Women, Enriching Nigeria

Union Bank, the 106-year-old institution, is building on its legacy of supporting women’s advancement by providing opportunities for them to succeed. The appointment of Yetunde Oni as CEO/Managing Director in 2024, making her the second woman in that role, symbolizes progress in female leadership and reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in leadership.

The bank’s stance is clear: women’s success is integral to its vision, and it’s dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. These efforts aim to promote gender balance within the institution, demonstrated by key appointments that champion women’s empowerment.

This milestone marks a significant shift in the bank’s approach to female inclusivity, moving from traditional banking to actively empowering women.

Read also: Union Bank fulfils N6.3bn obligations to bondholder

Initiatives for Women’s Empowerment

Initiatives like Alpher provide tailored financial products and capacity-building programs for female entrepreneurs, while internal policies support work-life balance with extended paid maternity leave, a women’s network (WeHub), and family-friendly facilities.

A Trailblazing Leader

With over 30 years of experience in finance, Yetunde Oni is rewriting the playbook on leadership. She’s not just breaking barriers; she’s reimagining what’s possible for women in finance. Her rise to the top was fueled by her expertise in accounting and proven leadership skills honed in top-tier banks: “Leadership isn’t just about calling the shots; it’s about inspiring people to envision a future beyond today’s limitations,” Oni says, her words infused with the confidence of a seasoned leader who’s proven her mettle.

Navigating Challenges and Opportunities Oni’s appointment as CEO came shortly after the Central Bank of Nigeria dissolved Union Bank’s board and management, citing governance issues and regulatory non-compliance. Alongside new executive directors to lead the bank’s affairs, Oni was tasked with navigating these challenges and steering the institution forward.

Prior to the recent governance and regulatory issues, Union Bank had consistently reaffirmed its dedication to adhering to regulatory codes and guidelines set by Nigerian authorities, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), demonstrating its commitment to operational integrity and compliance.

A Solid Foundation for Success

Given the context of her appointment, Yetunde Oni’s story is particularly compelling. Her ascent to this pivotal role not only underscores her professional prowess but also highlights the evolving role of women in Africa’s financial sector.

Born in Nigeria, Oni’s academic journey laid a solid foundation for her illustrious career. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan in 1991, followed by an MBA in Business Administration from Bangor University in 2000, and Executive Training at Oxford University in 2016.

Oni’s professional journey began at Prime Merchant Bank in 1991. She joined Ecobank Nigeria in 1994 and later moved to Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria in 2005, rising through the ranks to become Managing Director & Country Head of their Commercial Banking unit in West Africa. Her leadership abilities led to her appointment as the first female Managing Director and CEO at Standard Chartered Bank in Sierra Leone in 2021, cementing her status as a visionary leader.

Transformative Leadership

Since taking the helm as MD/CEO of Union Bank, Yetunde Oni has spearheaded a transformative journey, marked by a merger with Titan Trust Bank and a strategic vision focused on innovation, financial inclusion, and rebuilding stakeholder trust. Under her leadership, the bank has leveraged technology and partnerships to drive growth and deepen its presence in Nigeria’s dynamic financial landscape.

Merger Completion and Expansion

Union Bank of Nigeria and Titan Trust Bank officially merged on September 1, 2025, with Union Bank emerging as the surviving entity. As a result, Titan Trust Bank ceased operations, and its assets and operations absorbed into Union Bank. The merged institution now operates under the Union Bank brand, ensuring continuity for customers. Existing accounts, cards, and services remain unchanged, providing an uninterrupted banking experience.

This strategic consolidation combines Titan Trust Bank’s innovative approach with Union Bank’s 108-year legacy, creating a robust platform for sustainable growth and broader financial inclusion. The merged bank boasts an expanded network of over 293 service centers and 937 ATMs nationwide, positioning itself to deliver enhanced value across retail, SME, and corporate segments

A New Era of Growth and Innovation

Under the leadership of Oni, Union Bank aims to leverage this merger to drive innovation, enhance digital banking solutions, and strengthen its market position, ultimately becoming a more trusted financial partner for Nigerians.

Speaking on the completion of the merger, Oni said: “We are proud to announce the completion of this merger process, which sets the stage for a stronger, more vibrant Union Bank. This is a pivotal moment in our 108-year history and a launchpad for delivering even greater value to our customers. We remain steadfast in our mission to be Nigeria’s most reliable and trusted financial partner”

Strategic Objectives

Union Bank’s primary plan after merging with Titan Trust Bank is to drive growth, expand its market share, and improve customer experience. The bank aims to achieve this by leveraging operational synergies, strengthening its capital base, and accelerating its digital transformation. With an expanded network, Union Bank is poised to deliver enhanced value to its customers.

In addition to the merger, Union Bank is actively seeking a new core investor to inject fresh capital and provide strategic direction. This move is part of the bank’s efforts to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalization requirements and stay competitive in the market

Talent Retention and Recruitment

The merger between Union Bank of Nigeria and Titan Trust Bank has resulted in a smooth transition, with no reports of mass staff redundancies. However, some voluntary resignations are expected, as is common in such corporate changes.

To achieve its growth objectives, Union Bank is likely to prioritize talent retention, particularly for key positions, and engage in targeted hiring to support specific initiatives and technological advancements. While mergers often lead to temporary hiring freezes due to role duplications, the bank’s growth plans suggest a need for skilled talent. As such, Union Bank may selectively hire new talent to drive innovation and expansion, rather than undertaking a broad recruitment drive in the immediate term.

Leadership Style and Vision

Oni’s leadership style, a unique blend of pragmatism and empathy, has fostered a culture of mentorship at Union Bank, empowering the next generation of leaders to develop technical skills and confidence. This approach has been instrumental in driving the bank’s growth and innovation, particularly after the recent merger with Titan Trust Bank.

Under Yetunde Oni’s leadership, Union Bank is poised to deliver enhanced value to customers, supported by strengthened digital channels. The bank remains committed to its mission of being Nigeria’s most reliable and trusted financial partner.

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