The students and faculty with staff of Fidelity Bank
Fidelity Bank Ghana welcomed a delegation of 35 students and faculty from Columbia Business School, a world-renowned institution for business education.
The visit, held at Fidelity Bank’s head office at Ridge Towers in Accra, served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and exploration of potential collaborations in driving financial inclusion, fostering innovation, and implementing effective growth strategies within the African market, specifically focusing on Ghana.
Students engaged in dynamic discussions with Fidelity Bank executives, gaining first-hand insights into the bank’s operations, strategic vision, and steadfast commitment to financial inclusion and sustainability in Ghana. Leaders from the bank shared their experiences, including emerging trends and challenges in the financial landscape and strides Fidelity Bank is making.
Fidelity Bank Managing Director, Julian Opuni, recounted the bank’s transformation from a discount house in 1998 to a leading universal bank.
He emphasised its strategic expansion, including an international office in Malaysia, and its focus on digital banking for broader financial accessibility. He further inspired the students by urging them to embrace calculated risks, sharing a personal anecdote about his own career shift to join a young, five-year-old Fidelity Bank in Ghana from the UK, highlighting the potential rewards of taking bold steps.
Head of Partnerships, Sustainability, and CSR Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree, outlined Fidelity Bank’s comprehensive approach to sustainable development.
She addressed social and environmental challenges and highlighted the bank’s three-pillar strategy: Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Operations, and CSR. Examples included the Fidelity Young Entrepreneur programme and the Orange Impact initiative, which supports education through financial and non-financial support.
Director of Retail, Thomas Ishmael Adjei, showcased Fidelity Bank’s innovative approach to financial inclusion.
He shared the success of the Smart Account, featuring simplified account opening and low know your customer requirements, and the extensive agency network exceeding 9,000 agents, making financial services readily accessible in remote areas.
Professor Stephan Meier, Chair of the Management Division and James P. Gorman Professor of Business at Columbia Business School, expressed their appreciation to Fidelity Bank for its ongoing commitment to providing students with first-hand knowledge of the Ghanaian financial sector.
This marks the third such visit, offering valuable insights into the unique realities of the Ghanaian market.
Professor Meier emphasized the importance of exposing students to diverse perspectives within the field of finance.
By Samuel BoadiÂ