First Ally Capital Commemorates 10 Years of Excellence and Innovation in Financial Services

First Ally Capital Limited, a leading Nigerian investment banking and financial services firm, proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of innovation, excellence, and unwavering commitment to value creation in the financial sector. Under the theme “A Decade of Trust, Innovation, and Value Creation,” the anniversary events highlighted the firm’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a diversified financial powerhouse.

Thanksgiving Service: A Moment of Gratitude

The celebrations began on October 27 with a heartfelt Thanksgiving Service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The King’s Court, in Victoria Island, Lagos. Our staff and leadership together with our families gathered in unity, adorned in vibrant Adire fabrics, to express gratitude to God for our achievements over the past decade and to seek blessings for the future. 

Bringing Services Closer to Our Clients

On November 5, we officially opened the new Abuja branch office of our asset management subsidiary, First Ally Asset Management, at No 3 Kenema Close, off Ademola Adetokunbo, Wuse II, Abuja. This move signifies our commitment to providing accessible and innovative financial solutions across Nigeria. The branch office will not only continue to provide comprehensive asset and fund management services to First Ally’s clients in Abuja and other parts of Northern Nigeria, it will also enable other subsidiaries of First Ally Capital to seamlessly extend their services beyond Lagos. This modern facility also emphasizes First Ally’s commitment to providing state-of-the art facilities and the enabling environment for employee creativity and productivity. 

Gala Night: Celebrating Milestones and Unveiling New Initiatives

The anniversary festivities culminated on November 8 in a grand Gala Night at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. The black-tie event brought together esteemed clients, shareholders, partners, regulators, and distinguished guests to celebrate our milestones and unveil key initiatives that will shape our future.

During the Gala Night, we made several significant announcements:

• Rebranding of Personal Trust Microfinance Bank Limited

We proudly unveiled the new name of our microfinance subsidiary, First Ally Trust Microfinance Bank Limited. This rebranding reflects our renewed focus on enhancing financial inclusion through digital solutions. By leveraging technology, we aim to provide accessible financial services to the underbanked and underserved populations, empowering individuals and small businesses to achieve their financial goals.

• Introduction of First Ally Advisory Limited and First Ally Trustees Limited

We introduced First Ally Advisory Limited, a newly formed subsidiary that now holds our issuing house license, enabling us to consolidate on our solid foundation of providing specialised corporate finance and capital market advisory services. First Ally Trustees Limited, licensed by the Securities & Exchange Commission, will offer trustee services, enhancing our ability to meet the fiduciary needs of our clients in an increasingly complex financial landscape. These additions allow us to offer a more comprehensive suite of services, reinforcing our position as a one-stop financial solutions provider.

• Highlighting First Ally Properties Limited

First Ally Properties Limited, our real estate investment and development arm, has been instrumental in acquiring and managing key properties that support our operations. From our corporate headquarters on Ajose Adeogun Street Victoria Island to our microfinance bank’s location in Jibowu, Lagos, First Ally Properties ensures that we operate from state-of-the-art facilities that inspire innovation and excellence. The subsidiary also provides facilities management services for the First Ally group and for our clients. 

• Showcasing MyInvestar: Empowering Investors

We highlighted MyInvestar, the cutting-edge savings and investment platform from First Ally Asset Management, designed to democratise access to investment opportunities. MyInvestar provides our clients with seamless access to a wide range of investment products, offering transparency, convenience, and efficiency. This platform embodies our commitment to leveraging technology to enhance client experiences and foster financial growth among individuals and institutions.

Reflection on a Decade of Growth and Looking Ahead

Reflecting on our journey, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Ebenezer Olufowose, remarked:

“Over the past ten years, First Ally has evolved from a modest beginning to a diversified financial services group, thanks to the unwavering support of our clients, shareholders, and dedicated team. Our commitment to innovation, professionalism, and client-focused solutions has been the cornerstone of our success. As we embark on the next decade, we are excited to build upon our legacy, leveraging technology and strategic partnerships to create even greater value for our stakeholders.”

Our Vision for the Future

As we look to the future, our focus remains on:

• Innovation: Continuing to harness cutting-edge technologies to transform our services and meet evolving client needs.
• Market Expansion: Enhancing our market presence in Nigeria and exploring opportunities for global expansion through strategic partnerships.
• Talent Development: Attracting and nurturing top talent to ensure our team remains at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.

Gratitude to Our Stakeholders

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:

• Our Clients: For entrusting us with your financial needs and allowing us to serve as your trusted ally.
• Our Shareholders: For your unwavering support and confidence in our vision and strategies.
• Our Directors: For your encouragement and support always.
• Our Staff: For your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
• Our Regulators: For providing regulatory oversight that guides us towards higher and higher standards.

About First Ally Capital Limited

Founded in 2014, First Ally Capital Limited is a Nigerian investment banking and financial services firm licensed by the Securities & Exchange Commission. Operating as a holding company, we have subsidiaries in corporate and investment banking, asset management, micro & digital finance, investment & securities, and real estate. Guided by our core values of trust, integrity, client focus, teamwork, innovation, and professionalism, we are committed to providing innovative financing solutions and enabling growth for our clients.

For more information, please visit www.firstally.com.

Media Contact:

First Ally Capital Limited
Plot 287, Ajose Adeogun Street
Victoria Island, Lagos
Email: info@firstally.com
Phone: +234 9153860780

Join us in celebrating a decade of excellence as we look forward to a future filled with innovation, growth, and continued partnership with you, our valued stakeholders.

Personal Trust is delighted to announce the relocation of its head office building to 32, Ikorodu Road, Jibowu, Lagos from 67,
Ogunlana Drive, Surulere. The Surulere branch will continue to serve its
clients located in Surulere and its environs.

Personal Trust was incorporated in September 1993 as Personal Trust Savings and Loans Limited and operated as a primary mortgage bank until 2014 when it was acquired by First Ally Capital and converted to a state microfinance bank. It has four branches located in Jibowu, Surulere, Sandgrouse and Bariga. With significant new investment from First Ally Capital, Personal Trust has forayed into digital banking using strategic partnerships with FinTechs.  It has invested in digital channels which enable its customers to transact business from the comfort of their homes, offices etc. The new office will not only give more people access to financial services but also draw the bank closer to its mission to serve and empower people, businesses and communities by creating wealth and enhancing lifestyles.

Speaking during the opening event, Dr Okey Nwuke, the Chairman of the board of Personal Trust said, “We are excited about the launch of our new head office. The new office provides a comfortable environment where we can change lives and impact people and businesses economically. We assure our customers that the exceptional customer satisfaction that has helped the company to thrive over the years, will be given increased impetus with the opening of our new office”.

The Group Managing Director of First Ally Capital, Mr Ebenezer Olufowose, in his remarks, noted that microfinance / digital banking is an important element of First Ally’s strategy. He noted that Personal Trust has been positioned as a digitally enabled microfinance bank adding that the Group will continue to support the bank to ensure that its capital base is robust at all times and that Personal Trust drives innovation in its chosen segment of the financial services industry.

Directors of Personal Trust and First Ally group cutting the 29th anniversary cake

Members of staff of the First Ally Group with the chairman and GMD

Guest at the Personal Trust Head office opening event.