Managing Director/CEO
FSDH Merchant Bank
She is an accomplished banking professional with a career spanning over 30 years, with expertise in strategy, innovation, and commercial leadership. Bukola has a track record of leadership, innovation, strategic planning, and excellent execution, making her a well-rounded banking leader with achievements in various sub-sectors. Bukola Smith, before assuming her current position at FSDH Merchant Bank, served as the Executive Director of Business Development at First City Monument Bank Ltd (FCMB). She pioneered the FCMB Women in Business Desk (SheVentures), an initiative aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs, among other impactful projects. Her diverse experience also includes roles as the Divisional Head Treasury, Divisional Head Internal Audit and overseeing the Investment Banking and Registrar Subsidiaries of the Group. Bukola is passionate about developing the female economy. At FSDH, she set up the WIBI (Women in Business Initiative) to support female entrepreneurs with various financial and non-financial interventions. A life-long learner, Bukola plans to pursue academia in the future. She has an MBA from the Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, UK, and a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Lagos. She also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School, further deepening her executive leadership expertise. Bukola is an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and she holds an Honorary Doctorate (PhD) from Babcock University, Nigeria. Bukola has served the banking industry in various capacities. She is currently the chairperson of the Bankers Committee Ethics & Professionalism sub-committee and has held several notable positions. Until recently, she chaired the Chartered Institute of Bankers’ (CIBN) Mentoring Committee, served as a member of the CIBN Disciplinary Tribunal, and was the immediate past Chairperson of the organising committee for the Annual Bankers Conference, among several other roles. Bukola’s leadership style is characterised by warmth and a people-centred approach, driving a culture of excellence, innovation, and integrity at FSDH Merchant Bank. Her drive for innovation through solution-driven initiatives has positioned the Bank as the financial partner of choice for major corporate and commercial engagements in Nigeria. Her forward-thinking approach has undoubtedly contributed to the Bank's success and reputation in the industry. Her guiding principles are summarised in the acronym AIR—Accountability, Integrity, and Resilience, which have shaped her over 30-year career in the banking sector. She currently sits on the boards of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), and the Toyin Oni Foundation (NGO for cancer awareness). She mentors several young women and teenagers in public schools and is actively involved in her church's children and teens ministry, dedicating over 30 years to investing in children's lives. Bukola is married to Omodele, and they are blessed with three amazing children.
