In Nigeria’s financial sector, where access to funding and reliable investment remains limited, Damilola Adeyemi is shaping a new approach to inclusion and transparency. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Strait Finance Limited, she is leading efforts to make financial services more accessible, especially for women and small business owners.
With more than ten years of experience in banking and finance, Adeyemi has focused her career on helping individuals and businesses access loans, manage investments, and plan for financial growth. Through Strait Finance, based in Abuja, and her financial education platform, Naija Money Babe, she provides tools and guidance that help women make informed financial decisions and work towards independence.
“We want to see more Nigerians, especially women, gain the confidence, tools, and opportunities to achieve financial independence,” Adeyemi said.
Her path to entrepreneurship began with her observation of how many small business owners struggled to secure funding or find trustworthy financial partners. That experience led to the creation of Strait Finance, built on principles of transparency and accountability.
“For me, entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit; it’s about purpose—creating systems that empower people to grow, thrive, and rewrite their financial stories,” she explained.
Since its founding, Strait Finance has grown into one of Abuja’s emerging financial institutions, offering loan and investment products designed for individuals and small enterprises. The company is now working towards becoming a licensed microfinance bank, a move that reflects its plans for expansion and long-term sustainability.
Adeyemi acknowledges that building public confidence was a challenge at the beginning. Competing in a crowded market with limited access to capital required persistence. “Building trust and structure in a highly competitive market was one of my biggest challenges,” she recalled. “But I learned early that consistency, transparency, and measurable results earn credibility. Today, those same values define Strait Finance.”
The company has adopted technology to improve service delivery, digitising loan processing and automating credit assessments. These changes have made operations more efficient and strengthened confidence among investors and clients.
Beyond business performance, Adeyemi’s work is focused on impact. Through Strait Finance and Naija Money Babe, she has supported hundreds of entrepreneurs in sustaining and expanding their businesses. “We’re not just disbursing funds,” she said. “We’re building financial confidence and fueling small business growth across Nigeria.”
Her leadership style centres on collaboration and mentorship. “I motivate my team through recognition, mentorship, and shared purpose,” she said. “When people feel seen and connected to a vision, they naturally give their best.”
Looking ahead, Adeyemi plans to expand Strait Finance’s services nationwide, with digital platforms that reach more customers. The company also aims to enter new areas such as real estate finance, women-focused lending, and impact investments.
“We’re building systems that blend technology with trust,” she noted. “The vision is to make Strait Finance a household name for accessible, transparent, and ethical finance.”
Through her work, Damilola Adeyemi is showing that finance can create both value and opportunity for people. Her journey reflects a growing shift towards financial systems built on trust, purpose, and inclusion in Nigeria.
