Risk Management Expert | BAT Award Winner | Driving Financial Innovation Globally
Olanrewaju Olukoya Odumuwagun, ACA, FMVA, CRISC, is a visionary risk management strategist and analytics leader whose career exemplifies the intersection of technical precision and transformative financial innovation. With over four years of experience spanning continents, he has carved a niche in synthesizing complex data into actionable strategies that drive regulatory alignment, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. Currently, looking forward to becoming a Senior Associate in Risk Management, Olanrewaju leverages his mastery of SAS, SQL, Python, and advanced analytics tools to architect solutions for mortgage loss mitigation, default servicing, and regulatory compliance—efforts that earned him the BAT Award of Excellence 2024 in the Financial Innovation category.
His journey began at Babcock University in Nigeria, where he honed his foundation in accounting and risk management, later mentoring undergraduates and contributing to Africa’s financial talent pipeline. This early commitment to excellence propelled him to roles at NSL Capital Partners and OOM Professional Services, where he designed population migration models for non-performing loans and automated reporting systems, significantly reducing latency in risk decision-making. His cross-continent expertise—bridging Nigeria’s dynamic financial landscape with Wall Street’s rigorous demands—positions him uniquely as a global thought leader.
Olanrewaju’s intellectual contributions further distinguish him. His publications, including “Time Series-Based Quantitative Risk Models: Enhancing Forecasting Accuracy” and “The Future of Security in FinTech,” reflect his forward-thinking approach to balancing innovation with compliance. A Certified AWS Data Engineer and candidate for the CFA Level 1, he merges technical acumen with a passion for energy transition and sustainability, aiming to redefine how financial institutions integrate environmental stewardship into risk frameworks.
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Beyond analytics, Olanrewaju embodies the ethos of collaborative leadership. Whether spearheading audits at Deloitte or presenting data-driven insights to C-suite executives, his ability to translate complexity into clarity has fortified organizational resilience. As he advances toward integrating sustainability into global risk strategies, his work continues to inspire a new paradigm where data not only mitigates risk but also fuels ethical, forward-looking growth.
Interview with Olanrewaju Olukoya Odumuwagun, ACA, FMVA, CRISC
Q1: Let’s start from the beginning, tell us about your early journey — growing up in Nigeria and how that shaped your passion for finance, analytics, and risk management?
Olanrewaju: Absolutely. Growing up in Nigeria was a deeply formative experience for me. I was raised in Lagos, a city full of life, challenges, and opportunities. My fascination with numbers started very early. I was always curious about patterns, problem-solving, and understanding why things worked the way they did.
Studying Accounting at Babcock University laid the foundation for me, but it was during my early exposure to the complexities of the Nigerian financial sector — from currency fluctuations to credit challenges — that I realized finance wasn’t just about numbers; it was about human behavior, risk, and strategy.
Nigeria taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of creating solutions despite limited resources. Those values have stayed with me as I’ve navigated global financial systems.
Q2: You’ve been recognized globally, notably winning the BAT Award of Excellence 2024 in the Financial Innovation category. What does that recognition mean to you, and how did that moment feel?
Olanrewaju: Winning the BAT Award of Excellence in 2024 was honestly surreal. It wasn’t just a personal win — it felt like a recognition of years of hard work, late nights, continuous learning, and most importantly, staying committed to adding value through analytics and risk management.
That award affirmed that innovative thinking doesn’t have borders — it doesn’t matter if you started in Lagos or London; excellence gets noticed when you stay consistent. It also challenged me to think bigger about the problems I want to solve and the impact I want to leave in the financial services industry.
Q3: Risk management and analytics require both technical expertise and strategic thinking. What key skills do you believe have set you apart in this field?
Olanrewaju: For me, it’s the intersection of technical depth and business clarity. My proficiency in SAS, SQL, Python, and R has certainly given me the tools to manage and process large, complex datasets. But beyond the technical, my ability to tell a story with data — to translate analytics into strategic insights for non-technical stakeholders — has really set me apart.
Another important skill is regulatory awareness. Understanding risk isn’t just about numbers — it’s about context, policy, and human behavior. The certifications I hold — like CRISC and FMVA — have also deepened my perspective, allowing me to approach problems from both financial and operational risk angles.
Q4: As a Nigerian thriving abroad, how would you describe the challenges and lessons that came with transitioning into the international finance and analytics space?
Olanrewaju: Moving from Nigeria into the global financial landscape was both challenging and eye-opening. There were cultural adjustments, workplace dynamics, and even subtle biases that you sometimes have to navigate. But I came prepared with resilience — something every Nigerian professional carries inherently.
One major lesson I learned is that excellence speaks louder than assumptions. I also realized that our Nigerian background equips us with problem-solving skills that are invaluable abroad — we are naturally innovative because we often grow up navigating scarcity.
These experiences have shaped me into a professional who is comfortable in uncertainty and sees challenges as opportunities to innovate.
Q5: You’ve been published in several industry articles and journals. Can you tell us about your publication: “Time Series-Based Quantitative Risk Models” and why this research is important?
Olanrewaju: That publication was particularly special to me because it addressed a gap I noticed in risk forecasting models. Traditional models often fell short in dynamic financial environments. So, my research focused on enhancing accuracy in forecasting and risk assessment using time-series-based quantitative methods.
The core idea was to build models that adapt — that can evolve as market conditions change. This has real-world implications for financial institutions managing investment portfolios, credit risks, or even operational risks in volatile markets.
Research like this is critical because the financial world is changing faster than ever, and our tools need to catch up.
Q6: Beyond analytics, you’ve been part of mentoring initiatives and professional networks. Why is giving back and mentoring important to you?
Olanrewaju: Giving back is deeply personal for me. I’ve benefited from mentors who opened doors, shared wisdom, and believed in me even when I didn’t fully believe in myself.
I currently mentor young professionals, especially Nigerians and Africans looking to break into risk management, data analytics, and financial services abroad. The journey can feel isolating — but mentorship changes that narrative.
It’s about sharing real stories — not just success but also the mistakes, the rejections, and the lessons. If I can help someone navigate that path a little easier, then I believe I’ve done something meaningful beyond my career.
Q7: Looking ahead, what are your future aspirations, and what legacy do you hope to leave in the world of risk management and financial analytics?
Olanrewaju: My aspiration is simple but ambitious — I want to democratize risk analytics in Africa. I want to contribute to building systems where African businesses, startups, and financial institutions can leverage advanced analytics just like their counterparts in developed markets.
Long-term, I hope to build or partner on platforms that drive data literacy, risk awareness, and regulatory innovation across emerging markets.
Legacy-wise, I want to be remembered not just as a data professional, but as someone who used analytics to solve real problems, uplift people, and shape a new narrative for Africans in global finance.
Closing the Conversation: A Salute to Excellence with Olanrewaju Odumuwagun
As we bring this insightful conversation to a close, one truth stands tall — Olanrewaju Odumuwagun is not just a skilled analytics professional; he is a shining example of what it means to blend technical mastery with purposeful impact. From his roots in Lagos to his influential work with global institutions, Olanrewaju has consistently demonstrated the value of resilience, vision, and innovation.
Throughout our discussion, we explored his journey through risk management, financial services, and advanced analytics. We unpacked the thought process behind his population migration models for non-performing loans, the strategic dashboards he’s developed to enhance regulatory oversight, and the bold steps he has taken in predictive modeling and econometrics. These aren’t just career milestones — they are solutions that influence real-world outcomes, from improving financial systems to shaping smarter, data-driven decision-making.
Olanrewaju’s recognitions, particularly the BAT Award of Excellence 2024 in Financial Innovation, and his feature in industry publications, underscore the magnitude of his contributions. More than accolades, these honors reflect a consistent drive to make a difference — to transform systems, empower institutions, and inspire the next generation of African talent.
As Bridge Africa Technologies continues to spotlight Nigerians breaking new ground across industries, we are proud to recognize Olanrewaju as one of the outstanding minds leading innovation on a global stage. His story is a testament to what’s possible when skill meets purpose and when ambition is anchored in values.
To every young person reading this — whether you’re coding by candlelight, building your first financial model, or dreaming of influencing global markets — know that your journey, like Olanrewaju’s, matters. Excellence isn’t a destination reserved for the privileged; it’s a path carved by those willing to learn, grow, and lead with integrity.
Olanrewaju’s rise is more than an individual achievement — it is a powerful message to Africa and the world: that we have the minds, the grit, and the vision to lead in any room, at any table, across any border.
