LAPO Microfinance Bank, a leading microfinance institution in Nigeria, has announced the appointment of Mr. Joshua James Etopidiok as a Non-Executive Director on its Board, effective May 13, 2024.
Mr. Etopidiok is an accomplished financial strategist with over 35 years of experience, bringing a wealth of expertise in Finance, Insurance, Risk Management, Compliance, Operations, and Strategic Management to the bank.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Calabar (1983), an MBA in Investment Banking from the University of Lagos (1989), and a Diploma in Microfinance from Antoneo De Manila University, Philippines (2008).
His extensive educational background is further complemented by participation in numerous executive management programmes at prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (USA), Global Management and Consulting Services (London), Federal Reserve Bank (USA), International Monetary Fund (USA), Darden School of Business (USA), Financial Institutions Training Centre (Lagos), Royal Institute of Public Administration (London), Islamic Finance Institute (South Africa), and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN), the Association of Enterprise Risk Management (AERM), the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN)
His distinguished career includes significant leadership roles. He retired as Director of the Special Insured Institutions Department/Controller of the Lagos Office at the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and has served as Executive Director of Operations at Afex Bank Plc. He has also held key positions at Group Merchant Bank.
Etopidiok is known for his unwavering commitment to ethical governance and his strategic approach to financial management. As a Non-Executive Director at LAPO Microfinance Bank, he will serve as Chairperson of the Board Credit Committee and the Board Risk Management Committee, where his leadership will enhance the bank’s strategic direction and Enterprise Risk Management practices.
Commenting on the appointment, Marketing and Corporate Communications Head, Oluremi Akande said: “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Etopidiok to Board of LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited.
“His vast experience and deep understanding of the financial industry will be invaluable to the bank, especially, as we continue to grow and serve our clients with integrity and excellence.”