Topsy Kola-Oyeneyin is a distinguished figure in the world of finance and transformation. With more than two decades of global experience, she has left an indelible mark on the financial services landscape, particularly in the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMA) regions. Currently, Topsy serves as a Partner and co-leader of McKinsey’s Payments Practice for EEMA, where she plays a pivotal role in guiding leading financial services institutions and fintech companies in the development and expansion of innovative products and services.
Topsy’s influence extends beyond her role in the corporate world. She is a thought leader in the realm of financial services innovation, known for her groundbreaking insights. As a testament to her expertise, she has co-authored reports that shed light on the strategies required to unlock the immense potential of digital financial services in Africa.
Before returning to McKinsey, Topsy held a series of high-profile executive positions within prominent financial services providers. She oversaw an international banking business that spanned nine countries, orchestrated the design and execution of a comprehensive corporate transformation program, and efficiently managed a sprawling operations network, encompassing both head office operations and a vast number of branch offices. Notably, she served as the pioneering Head of the Central Bank’s shared services department, where she masterminded and executed the acclaimed ‘cashless Lagos’ program, a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s payments transformation.
Topsy Kola-Oyeneyin’s academic background is equally impressive. She holds a Master of Science degree in Management Science & Engineering from the prestigious Stanford University, a testament to her commitment to academic excellence.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Topsy is an active member of the Advisory Board for Endeavor, an organization dedicated to empowering high-impact entrepreneurs for business growth. Her passion for the digital realm is evident in her pursuits and interests. She is deeply committed to leveraging the potential of digital technologies to drive economic development, achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and transform African economies. Topsy is also an advocate for the empowerment of young Africans and the critical role that the intersection of digital innovation and youth empowerment can play in accelerating progress.
In her ongoing efforts to inspire, inform, and engage, Topsy shares her most intriguing insights and ideas on these subjects. She poses questions to innovators and imparts guiding principles that equip young Africans to rise, express themselves, and flourish in a rapidly evolving world. Topsy Kola-Oyeneyin stands as a luminary in the world of finance and transformation, a catalyst for innovation, and an advocate for positive change in Africa and beyond.
