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Daniel MSc
Project Mgt - Project Finance - Business Analyst/Dev - Regulatory Frameworks - Info Systems & Security
Professional Background
Daniel Afilaka is a highly accomplished Management Executive with two decades of extensive experience across a diverse range of sectors including Manufacturing, Retail, Investment & Central Banking, and Construction. His career showcases a strong commitment to excellence and the delivery of high-value projects, particularly within the Financial Services and Payments Systems subsector, making him a key figure in the industry's evolution. With a solid foundational belief in adaptability and a positive work ethic, Daniel has taken on various roles throughout his career, including Business Analyst, Project Manager, Programme Director, Project Executive, Agile Product Owner, and Innovator for Start-ups.
As an experienced Business and Information Systems professional, Daniel has made significant contributions to multiple organizations and projects, demonstrating exceptional skills in driving innovation and delivering strategic objectives. He has also taken leadership roles, sitting on the boards of various organizations in sectors such as Oil & Gas, ICT, Engineering, and Agro Processing as both an Executive and Non-Executive Director.
Education and Achievements
Daniel holds a Master's Degree in Information Security & Computer Crime from the University of Glamorgan in Wales and a Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems with Business (Professional) Honours from Thames Valley University in Slough, UK. He has also attained an ABE Certificate from the London School of Administrative Studies, equipping him with essential skills to navigate today's complex digital landscape.
Throughout his career, Daniel has successfully managed numerous projects, showcasing his expertise in regulatory compliance, payment system issues, and the implementation of e-payment directives that enhance organizational efficiencies. Some notable assignments include:
- As a Technology Business Analyst, he played a vital role in the API development project focusing on Regulatory Compliance for PSD2.
- He served as a Project Executive for the National Payments System Vision 2020 initiative at the Central Bank of Nigeria, responsible for steering key strategies that have shaped the payments landscape in Nigeria.
- Daniel was instrumental in formulating the foundational principles that led to the implementation of the Cashless Policy by the Federal Government of Nigeria, an initiative that significantly modernized the financial framework in the country.
- He co-chaired the Regulatory Review Committee for the Nigerian Mobile Payments Licensing scheme, contributing invaluable support to this critical area of finance.
- Additionally, Daniel has worked diligently on projects that include implementing payroll systems e-payment directives for over 5,000 employees at the Central Bank of Nigeria.
His foray into the banking sector includes managing the seamless transformation of the Lloyds Banking Group core application in the UK and updating ATM networks across more than 3,000 applications. Furthermore, he served as a Network Project Manager during the deployment of the Electronic Banking System EBS Trader platform with EDS Stockley Park in the UK, showcasing his capability to handle complex IT integration projects.
Daniel’s commitment to fostering excellence has seen him represent the Central Bank of Nigeria at notable conferences, including the inaugural International Payments System Conference in Nigeria in 2010 and the West African Monetary Zone Mobile Payments Conference in Ghana. His involvement in the Payments Infrastructure Strategy Committee in Nigeria elucidates his longstanding dedication to enhancing regulatory frameworks across segments such as Cards Payments, Consumer Bill Payments, Real-Time Gross Settlements, and Mobile Payments, among others.
Notable Achievements
Daniel has effectively leveraged his insights as a Project Consultant to initiate payments companies like FETS Ltd in Nigeria and has served as a Regulatory Compliance Consultant for Eco Bank Plc focused on enhancing their Mobile Payments strategies. His deep understanding of stakeholder engagement across various regional business environments, including EMEA, APAC, and NORAM, allows him to advocate effectively for best practices and innovations that meet different organizational needs.
Daniel’s flexibility and diverse skill set empower him to navigate through various organizational matrices, ensuring his contributions lead to meaningful outcomes. His profound experience in project delivery and stakeholder management places him at the forefront of strategic initiatives in whichever capacity he serves. Daniel Afilaka remains an invaluable asset to every organization lucky enough to benefit from his expertise and visionary approach.
Achievements
- Technology Business Analyst for API development project in Regulatory Compliance for PSD2
- Project Executive for the National Payments System Vision 2020 at the Central Bank of Nigeria
- Managed the development of the foundational principles for Nigeria’s Cashless Policy
- Co-chaired the Regulatory Review Committee for the Nigerian Mobile Payments Licensing scheme
- Implemented e-Payment directives for payroll systems at the Central Bank of Nigeria
- Managed the transformation of Lloyds Banking Group's core application in the UK
- Managed updates for Lloyds ATM networks applications across 3,000 ATMs
- Network Project Manager for Electronic Banking System EBS Trader platform deployment with EDS Stockley Park, UK
- Speaker at the inaugural International Payments System Conference in Nigeria 2010
- Representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria at the West African Monetary Zone Mobile Payments Conference in Ghana
- Member of the Payments Infrastructure Strategy Committee in Nigeria.
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