DLM Capital Group Outlines Finance and Investment Banking Strategy Under Sonnie Ayere

Lagos, Nigeria, July 22nd, 2026, FinanceWire

Company outlines its approach to structured finance, development finance and capital-market growth across Africa

DLM Capital Group has outlined its strategy for expanding structured finance, development finance and capital-market solutions under the leadership of Group Chief Executive Officer Sonnie Ayere.

The strategy focuses on developing financing structures that can connect institutional and private capital with projects and businesses across infrastructure, renewable energy, affordable housing, agriculture, manufacturing and technology. It also reflects the Group’s broader objective of supporting capital-market development and financial inclusion across Africa.

Ayere brings more than three decades of international banking, investment and capital-market experience to the strategy. His career has included roles at HSBC, NatWest Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Bank, BMO Nesbitt Burns and the International Finance Corporation, the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group.

His experience across corporate banking, structured finance, investment management and cross-border transactions contributed to the development of DLM Capital Group as an integrated African financial services institution.

Development of DLM Capital Group

Ayere founded DLM Capital Group in 2009 following a leadership role at United Capital, formerly known as UBA Global Markets.

The Group was established to provide investment banking and financing solutions to governments, institutions and businesses. It has since expanded into a diversified financial services organization covering investment banking, structured finance, asset management, capital-market advisory, securities trading, trust services, microfinance, housing finance, payments and sustainable finance.

DLM’s integrated operating structure is intended to support clients through different stages of the investment lifecycle, including capital raising, transaction structuring, investment management and financial-market participation.

Structured Finance and Capital-Market Initiatives

DLM Capital Group has participated in the development of several financial structures aimed at increasing access to long-term capital and broadening investment opportunities in Nigeria.

Among the Group’s transactions is the issuance of the ₦9 billion Series 1 Sovereign Bond-Backed Composite Notes, listed on the FMDQ Exchange under a ₦30 billion programme. The transaction was structured to provide investors with access to an investment product supported by sovereign bond assets.

The Group has also developed CERPAC Securities, a structure involving a combined debt and equity issuance from a special-purpose vehicle under a single prospectus.

Another initiative, SBCNS, was developed as a financial structure intended to strengthen capital-protection features for participating investors.

DLM is also developing the Legacy Shares Principal Return Share Offer Notes, or PRSONs. The proposed structured investment programme is intended to combine sovereign bond-backed capital-preservation features, income components and longer-term equity participation.

These initiatives form part of the Group’s effort to introduce structured products that can support market participation while directing capital toward economic and development priorities.

Supporting Development Finance

DLM Capital Group’s strategy treats development finance as an important component of Africa’s economic growth.

The Group’s approach extends beyond conventional bank lending and focuses on financing structures that can attract domestic and international capital into sectors requiring long-term investment.

Priority areas include transportation and public infrastructure, clean energy, affordable housing, agriculture, industrial development, technology and other sectors connected to economic productivity.

The strategy is based on developing financing solutions that balance investor requirements with the long-term capital needs of governments, institutions and private-sector organizations.

Integrated Financial Services

DLM Capital Group operates through businesses covering investment banking, asset management, securities trading, trust services, microfinance, housing finance, recycling initiatives and digital payments.

Through these operations, the Group serves governments, institutional investors, corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises and individual customers.

The diversified model enables DLM to combine advisory, financing, investment and transaction services within a broader financial ecosystem.

Leadership and Professional Development

In addition to overseeing DLM Capital Group’s financial strategy, Ayere supports executive education, mentorship and professional development within the financial-services industry.

His areas of engagement include corporate governance, financial strategy, capital markets, development finance and institution building.

Within DLM, the Group’s leadership approach emphasizes accountability, continuous learning, financial innovation and long-term value creation.

Future Expansion

DLM Capital Group plans to continue expanding its operations and partnerships across Africa while developing additional capabilities in structured finance, digital payments, financial technology and sustainable investment.

The Group’s longer-term priorities include increasing access to capital, supporting financial inclusion and developing investment structures suited to Africa’s evolving economic and infrastructure requirements.

About DLM Capital Group

DLM Capital Group is a diversified financial services group providing investment banking, structured finance, asset management, securities trading, trust services, microfinance, housing finance, digital payments and sustainable finance solutions.

The Group works with governments, institutions, corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises and individual clients to support capital formation, investment management and economic development.

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