Chartered Accountant- Finance Transformation Lead

AFIBAH ADEREMI

With over twenty years at Legal & General, Afibah has risen through the ranks, building a successful career, holding varied roles across finance including financial reporting, financial management and financial planning and analysis. She is passionate about finance, diversity and equity, and has made it her mission to champion underrepresented voices within the industry.

Born in Ghana to Ghanaian-British parents, she spent her adolescence in La Côte d'Ivoire, a neighbouring francophone country. Afibah’s early experiences were shaped by a strong sense of identity instilled by her family. Her upbringing was marked by a focus on integrity, hard work and compassion—values that have remained at the core of her leadership style. Raised by her father, a consultant surgeon and her mother a nurse, Afibah was surrounded by role models, including older siblings, who set high standards. The ambition for success was nurtured and encouraged, and it was this mindset that helped shape her personal and professional outlook.

At a young age, her family's relocation to La Côte d'Ivoire proved pivotal. Immersed in the franco-Ivorian culture and education system while learning a new language, she developed resilience and a deep understanding of the importance of embracing differences. These qualities became invaluable when she later moved to the UK for university, laying the foundation for her successful career in financial services.

Since moving to the UK, Afibah has navigated the challenges that come with being Black African and a woman in the corporate world. Coming from West Africa, where “race” is not a primary identifier, it is in the UK that she first became conscious that society considered her “Black” and was confronted with the negative stereotypes, low expectations and limitations often associated with that identity. Particularly relevant is this notion that Black women are aggressive or angry, rather than simply being assertive or this idea that Black women are stoically “strong.”

It was against this backdrop that Afibah forged her own path as a leader in her chosen discipline - one who is unapologetically authentic and deeply committed to reclaiming those narratives. It’s no coincidence that Afibah has built a long-standing career at Legal & General. She has remained not only because of the rich opportunities for professional growth, but also because the company fosters a culture where people are truly encouraged to be themselves. Legal & General has been committed to diversity and inclusion long before it became an industry trend, creating an environment that supports both personal authenticity and career development.

Afibah continues to draw strength from her personal conviction and inspiration from the lived experiences of communities who use their voices to drive change. The Namibian Herero saying “It cannot be about us without us’’ resonated deeply with her, strengthening her resolve to be the author of her own story and an advocate for herself and for others in corporate spaces and beyond. As someone who has herself benefitted from the guidance and support of others, not only in traditional corporate settings but also within the wider community, Afibah is a strong proponent of mentorship; and mentoring others is an integral part of her leadership style.

In her leadership role, Afibah is determined to reshape the narrative surrounding Black women—and Black people more broadly. She envisions a future where there is more representation of Black professionals in senior leadership roles and where stereotypes and limiting beliefs are robustly challenged. A future, where her boys and other Black youths grow up with the same pride in their identity that she has always carried, where Black history encompasses more than just stories of struggle, but also highlights Black excellence in mathematics, science, art, and beyond. She encourages the young people around her to ‘’Aim high, set goals, be intentional, be bold and take risks” and to promote a curiosity in the rich diversity within the Black community, ensuring that everyone is seen for who they are, not just as part of a monolithic group.

Afibah’s narrative is far from over and she is more committed than ever to making an impact. Embodying the Akan concept of "Sankofa"—the idea of returning to one's roots to gather wisdom for the future—Afibah is dedicated to honouring her heritage by helping to build a better future for the next generation. Her history has empowered her and now she is passing that empowerment forward.

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