Polaris Bank chairman calls for trust, integrity

By Grace Alegba

The Chairman of Polaris Bank, Dr Kassim Gidado, has urged banking professionals to uphold trust and integrity, calling them the industry’s most valuable currency.

Gidado addressed newly inducted members of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) during the Stream 1 Chartered Bankers Induction Ceremony in Lagos.

He said every decision by bankers, including customer engagement, credit approvals and compliance actions, could either strengthen or weaken public confidence in the financial system.

“While technology and institutional systems can enhance efficiency, the credibility of banking institutions ultimately depends on the integrity and professionalism of their workforce,” he added.

According to him, the banking sector is evolving rapidly due to digital transformation, financial inclusion initiatives, regulatory changes and emerging technologies.

He said in such a dynamic environment, technical competence alone was no longer sufficient for professionals in the sector.

“The industry now demands ethical leadership, innovation, sound judgement and, above all, trust,” he emphasised.

Gidado urged the newly inducted Chartered Bankers to commit to lifelong learning and continuous professional development to remain relevant in a changing financial landscape.

He said the future of banking would not be determined by technology or capital alone, but by the quality of professionals managing these resources.

According to him, bankers play a vital role in enabling economic opportunities, supporting enterprise development and empowering individuals and communities.

He stressed that continuous learning and ethical training were essential, noting that CIBN reinforces values, builds expertise, and sustains trust in the industry.

Gidado commended CIBN for strengthening professional standards and leadership capacity within Nigeria’s banking sector.

He urged new inductees to lead with integrity, pursue excellence, and remain committed to the public good in their professional conduct.

Mrs Amaka Onwughalu, Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, represented by Kelvin Ugwuoke, Executive Director, Risk, said artificial intelligence was reshaping financial services.

She noted AI improved customer service, risk management, fraud detection, and operational efficiency across financial institutions.

Onwughalu stressed that institutions must invest in technology and talent, but AI adoption must be guided by ethics, robust data protection, and effective cybersecurity.

She urged professionals to uphold integrity, competence, and trust as the industry advances responsibly with innovation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo