…empowers clients to navigate their financial journey

By Kingsley Adegboye

Standard Chartered (“the Bank”) Bank Nigeria Limited hosted esteemed clients to its 2026 Global Market Outlook event. The well attended event brought together industry experts in Nigeria to explore the evolving global financial landscape and its implications for Nigeria in 2026.

Speakers from Standard Chartered including Manpreet Gill, Chief Investment Officer, Africa,

Middle East and Europe; Lanre Olajide, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking, Nigeria; Ernest

Adejumo Head of Wealth Solutions; Uche Ugboh, Head of Treasury Markets and Chima Eboh,

Head of Affluent Banking and Branches, delivered insightful presentations on the latest market trends, economic shifts, and wealth-building strategies.

This was followed by a Q & A panel discussion which provided attendees with actionable perspectives to capitalize on the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead.

Speaking on the global outlook’s impact on Nigeria and investment opportunities for stakeholders, Manpreet Gill, Chief Investment Officer, Africa, Middle East and Europe (AMEE) said, “Clients took away 3 key messages from the 2026 global market outlook: (i) Stay overweight equities, (ii) continue to generate attractive yields through diversified bonds, but most importantly (iii) diversify, both within equities and across asset classes given valuations and continued uncertainty”.

Ernest Adejumo, Head of Wealth Solutions at Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited added, ‘The key takeaways from our 2026 Global Market Outlook emphasize the importance of maintaining discipline and diversification in an increasingly complex global environment.

While short-term volatility may persist, investors who concentrate on longterm fundamentals, quality assets, and informed, advisory-led portfolio construction are best positioned to navigate uncertainty and seize emerging opportunities.

Our GMO reinforced a clear message for investors: clarity comes from context, not noise. By

understanding the global themes influencing growth, inflation, and interest rates, clients are

better equipped to make confident and well-timed investment decisions.

This approach focuses not on predicting markets but on preparing portfolios through diversification and discipline, aligned with their long-term financial goals.’

The event hosted over 1,200 clients across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt and concluded with a networking lunch with the Management team of the Bank.

PUBLIC

Nigeria’s economic outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic, with GDP growth projections of

4.3-4.4 percent. This growth is expected to be driven by the services sector, particularly ICT and

finance, and a potential recovery in the oil sector. Efforts to diversify revenue sources beyond oil are ongoing.

However, challenges such as high inflation and fiscal pressures persist, and poverty is likely to remain an issue despite reforms aimed at promoting inclusive growth.

Key areas of focus include stabilizing the naira, controlling inflation through effective monetary policy, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that government policies translate into tangible benefits for citizens. Achieving these goals will require strong fiscal discipline and comprehensive structural reforms.

Standard Chartered remains optimistic about long-term economic potential, emphasising

the importance of sustainable reforms, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation in driving growth in Nigeria and Africa. By aligning global trends with regional strengths, the Bank is well positioned to support clients and communities in achieving their goals in 2026 and beyond.