ROWENA JUMAI OGBETUO
Utako,Nigeria
Summary
Seasoned and versatile Executive with over 22 years of robust experience in financial services, foreign currency operations, regulatory compliance, and corporate-commercial law. Demonstrated track record of delivering high-level legal, operational, and strategic advisory support to financial institutions, technology firms, real estate developers, and international investors across regulated industries.
Core competencies include banknotes importation, evacuation and distribution, payment solution services, international money transfer operations, project finance, corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and capital markets. Recognized for delivering strategic insight and legal precision to complex, high-value projects within multidisciplinary teams, while upholding the highest standards of governance, regulatory compliance, and professional integrity.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
General Manager
Innovate 1 Pay Limited
07.2022 - 06.2025
- Spearheaded the establishment and regulatory approval of a newly licensed Tier 1 Bureau de Change, securing both AIP and Provisional Approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
- Provide cross-functional leadership in currency distribution, payment solution services, and international remittance operations.
- Manage end-to-end operations of the Banknotes Importation and Evacuation business—liaising with the CBN and Deposit Money Banks.
- Executed CBN license categorization, led corporate restructuring and contract novation, culminating in two new corporate entities.
- Lead high-level engagements with regulatory bodies, foreign partners, and local stakeholders.
- Drive policy formulation, risk management, personnel oversight, and business continuity.
- Champion staff welfare and compliance with labour legislation and HSE guidelines.
Company Secretary & Legal Adviser
SW Global Limited
04.2015 - 06.2022
- Maintained company-wide legal compliance, oversaw contract administration, and corporate filings.
- Ensured Board compliance with CAC and CAMA statutory requirements.
Senior Manager, Operations
Innovate 1 Pay Limited
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Coordinated the CBN licensing process for key regulatory approvals: Wholesale Banknotes Importation, Evacuation & Distribution, Payment Service Provider, and International Money Transfer Operator.
- Implemented weekly foreign currency disbursement to eligible BDC operators, in full alignment with CBN policy.
- Negotiated and managed contracts including the Wholesale Banknotes Agreement, Cash-in-Transit, and Vaulting Agreements.
- Oversaw full operational cycle of FX logistics: banknotes delivery to CBN and evacuation from commercial banks.
- Directed regulatory compliance during the rollout of payment services later transitioned to Payfixy Limited.
Head, Human Resources & Admin / Legal Adviser
SW Global Limited
02.2016 - 05.2019
- Delivered integrated legal and HR advisory services across SW Global and affiliate entities, including OIS, NetPost, Innovate 1 Pay, and others.
- Advised on real estate, regulatory compliance, contract execution, and stakeholder interfacing at state and federal levels.
- Provided secretariat services to the Board and management, ensuring governance best practices.
- Led HR strategy, recruitment, and operational cost optimization in line with corporate objectives.
Head, Legal Advisory & Company Secretarial
Fourth Dimension Projects Limited
Abuja
10.2012 - 03.2015
- Advised on property development, construction law, and corporate-commercial transactions.
- Managed SLAs, procurement processes, and legal risk.
- Drafted contracts, ensured post-deal regulatory compliance, and led legal due diligence.
Company Secretary
Banhill Nigeria Limited
05.2008 - 09.2012
- Company Overview: Oil & Gas Consulting
- Led compliance, permits acquisition, and licensing with DPR, NNPC, and other regulatory bodies.
- Handled corporate filings, board governance, contract management, and legal risk resolution.
- Oil & Gas Consulting
Associate / Junior Associate
Banwo & Ighodalo
Lagos
11.2003 - 03.2008
- Practice Areas: Project Finance, Capital Markets, M&A, Corporate Restructuring, Real Estate
- Advised leading financial institutions and oil majors.
- Conducted legal due diligence, negotiated complex commercial transactions, and ensured post-deal regulatory filings.
Legal Officer
Ken Ahia & Associates
10.2003 - 11.2003
- Presented oral arguments in court proceedings, advocating effectively for clients' interests.
- Implemented stronger risk management procedures, improving overall operational efficiency.
- Drafted detailed reports on conducted research, ensuring clarity of information to stakeholders.
- Resolved multi-faceted legal disputes to ensure client satisfaction.
Intern
Ajumogobia & Okeke
11.2002 - 12.2002
- Assisted senior staff in data analysis tasks
- Delivered exceptional administrative support to senior executives during peak business periods.
- Developed proficiency in various legal research and analysis
NYSC Intern
Wale Taiwo & Co.
03.2001 - 12.2002
- Coordinated effectively with diverse teams for successful project execution.
- Presented findings from data analysis tasks
- Ensured timely project completion for customer satisfaction.
Education
Barrister-at-Law (BL) - Law
Nigerian Law School
Nigeria 06.2002 - 07.2003
LL. B (Hons.) - Law
University of Benin
Nigeria 09.1993 - 09.2000
Skills
- Strategic Legal Advisory
- Payment Solutions & Fintech Regulation
- Regulatory Compliance & Government Liaison
- Corporate Governance & Board Support
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
- Cross-Border Currency & FX Operations
- Executive Leadership & Policy Implementation
- Dispute Resolution & Risk Mitigation
Affiliations
- Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
- Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) – In View
Timeline
General Manager
Innovate 1 Pay Limited
07.2022 - 06.2025
Senior Manager, Operations
Innovate 1 Pay Limited
01.2018 - 01.2022
Head, Human Resources & Admin / Legal Adviser
SW Global Limited
02.2016 - 05.2019
Company Secretary & Legal Adviser
SW Global Limited
04.2015 - 06.2022
Head, Legal Advisory & Company Secretarial
Fourth Dimension Projects Limited
10.2012 - 03.2015
Company Secretary
Banhill Nigeria Limited
05.2008 - 09.2012
Associate / Junior Associate
Banwo & Ighodalo
11.2003 - 03.2008
Legal Officer
Ken Ahia & Associates
10.2003 - 11.2003
Intern
Ajumogobia & Okeke
11.2002 - 12.2002
Barrister-at-Law (BL) - Law
Nigerian Law School
06.2002 - 07.2003
NYSC Intern
Wale Taiwo & Co.
03.2001 - 12.2002
LL. B (Hons.) - Law
University of Benin
09.1993 - 09.2000
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