Nigeria’s economy is in a transition phase—marked by ambitious reforms, rising inflation, and a shifting investor landscape. The country recorded a 4.6 per cent GDP growth in Q4 2024, with 2025 projections at 3.6 per cent, driven by exchange rate unification, fiscal reforms, and a more market-driven policy approach.
At the same time, inflation—at 22.97 per cent as of May 2025—remains a concern. The Naira, while stabilising, still presents FX-related risks. Despite these headwinds, investors are beginning to regain confidence, and market reforms are gradually unlocking opportunities, particularly for digital-first institutions focused on access, trust, and financial empowerment.

In this interview shared with Business Post, the deputy chief executive of Coronation Securities, Mr Segun Owadokun, highlighted how the firm is positioning itself and its clients for long-term growth, navigating uncertainty, and building leadership in Nigeria’s capital markets. It has been edited for clarity. 

What strategies are you deploying to help clients preserve and grow wealth in a high-inflation environment?

Our strategy is focused on preserving real returns. We offer high-yield fixed income options like commercial papers and corporate bonds as well as strong equities with capital appreciation potential and consistent dividends. But more than just picking the right products, we help clients understand their real returns after inflation. We combine this with continuous investor education and active portfolio tracking, so clients stay nimble in a fast-moving market.

Has the unification of exchange rates influenced investor sentiment and portfolio strategy?

Absolutely. The FX unification has introduced more clarity and reduced the uncertainty that plagued investors for years. We’re already seeing renewed interest from foreign portfolio investors—this is key for liquidity and pricing efficiency. Clients can now manage currency risks more transparently, and that strengthens confidence. The FX reform is foundational—it’s building a more predictable investment environment.

What measures are in place to strengthen investor confidence during periods of economic uncertainty?

Investor confidence comes from consistency and clarity. At Coronation Securities, we provide timely insights, personalized advisory, and investor education. We run webinars, thought pieces, and send regular market updates that help clients understand the “why” behind our strategy. When clients feel informed and supported—even in volatility—they stay invested with confidence.

In what ways is Coronation Securities leveraging technology to enhance access and improve client engagement?

Technology is at the centre of how we engage. Our Coronation Wealth App and eBusiness Suite allow real-time trading, seamless onboarding, and full portfolio visibility from anywhere. We’ve also built a robust API hub that allows digital partners and aggregators to embed our services in their platforms—extending access to underserved audiences. As Nigeria’s digital-first capital markets platform, we’re rethinking access, efficiency, and scale.

Can you elaborate on your efforts to promote financial literacy, especially among retail and emerging investors?

We’re passionate about empowering informed investors. That’s why we launched the Coronation Investment Academy—a platform that simplifies financial concepts and helps new and seasoned investors build their knowledge base. We complement this with webinars, newsletters, articles, and partnerships with schools, youth groups, and regulators. For us, it’s about inclusion, empowerment, and building long-term investor confidence.

What advice does Coronation Securities provide to clients affected by infrastructure deficits and high operating costs?

We help clients, both businesses and individuals, stay resilient. For businesses, we recommend maintaining liquidity buffers, deploying capital into flexible, short-term fixed income instruments, and hedging where needed.
For individuals, we guide them toward conservative, yield-driven investments that protect capital and ensure flexibility. In volatile markets, agility and cash management are everything.

What strategies are being used to attract and engage younger Nigerians in wealth-building and investment?

At Coronation Securities, we have adopted a three-pronged approach to engage younger Nigerians in wealth creation, built around the philosophy of “Learn, Play, and Invest.” First, we launched the Coronation Investment Academy, an educational platform designed to bridge the knowledge gap by simplifying investment concepts and promoting financial literacy. Once users grasp the fundamentals, they transition to the Coronation Fantasy League App – a gamified, real-time simulation that allows them to build virtual investment portfolios using actual market data. It is a safe, engaging way to practice investing without risking real money. The final step is onboarding them onto the Coronation Wealth App, our fully digital investment platform that allows users to trade and invest seamlessly in the Nigerian capital market from anywhere. This ecosystem not only educates but also empowers young investors to take charge of their financial future in a fun, accessible, and practical way.

How are ESG principles reflected in your investment advisory and product development?

ESG is no longer a cliché – it is becoming central to how we approach investments. At Coronation Securities, we are gradually embedding ESG principles into our advisory process. We have started integrating ESG screening into our equity research and are actively guiding clients towards emerging opportunities like green bonds and sustainable finance instruments. While corporate governance has always been a key pillar in our analysis, we are now seeing growing investor interest in broader social and environmental factors, such as workplace diversity, product safety, and climate responsibility. Our clients increasingly want to align their portfolios with their values, and we are right there with them. For us, it is not just about financial returns anymore – it is about making a meaningful impact through smarter and more responsible investing.

What risk management practices help safeguard client portfolios amid current macroeconomic risks?

At Coronation Securities, we take a proactive and disciplined approach to risk management. Our dedicated risk and investment teams continuously monitor market dynamics, conduct regular stress testing, and adjust portfolio strategies to anticipate and respond to potential shocks. We emphasise diversification, real-time scenario analysis, and dynamic asset allocation to cushion against volatility. By staying ahead of economic trends and maintaining strong internal controls, we aim to ensure our clients’ portfolios remain resilient, even in volatile macroeconomic environments.

Could you share recent innovations tailored to today’s market challenges?

We’ve launched a Fixed Income Trading Desk to give clients access to high-yield, short-term products. Our digital platforms now feature tailored investment recommendations and thematic watchlists—helping clients act swiftly and strategically.

How does Coronation Securities navigate the evolving regulatory landscape to ensure compliance and investor protection?

We maintain direct engagement with regulators and run rigorous internal audits. Continuous training and transparent governance ensure we manage client assets with integrity and protect investors at all times. Our strong governance framework guarantees that client assets are managed with the highest level of integrity and transparency, safeguarding investor interests at all times.

Are there any strategic partnerships that Coronation Securities is leveraging to enhance product offerings or market reach? Absolutely. Our collaborations with fintechs and ecosystem players help us scale offerings, improve execution, and reach new segments. These partnerships keep us agile, innovative, and deeply connected across Nigeria’s financial landscape.

What is your outlook for Nigeria’s investment market over the next 3 to 5 years?

We’re optimistic. Economic reforms are gaining traction—fueling deeper market participation, diverse products, and foreign capital inflows. While fixed-income yields may normalize, equities in banking, telecoms, and FMCG will shine. Digital evolution will continue democratizing access for more Nigerians.

What practical advice would you offer to new and existing investors looking to capitalize on opportunities in Nigeria’s current economic environment?

Our advice is simple: Stay informed. Diversify. Think long term. Spread investments across sectors and work with trusted advisors like Coronation Securities. In a reforming economy, disciplined and research-based investing is the best way to unlock opportunity.