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July 20, 2024

Nigerian Professionals Thriving in International Markets: Meet Charles Ugbegua, a global finance expert

Nigerian Professionals Thriving in International Markets: Meet Charles Ugbegua, a global finance expert

In the dynamic and often tumultuous world of international finance, few professionals have demonstrated the expertise, dedication, and tenacity that Charles Ugbegua, CFA, MBA, brings to the table.

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Charles’ journey from a top graduate of the University of Lagos to a Senior Vice President at a major financial institution in New York is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his profound impact on the global financial markets.
Charles’ story began in the bustling city of Lagos, where he excelled academically from an early age. His outstanding performance at the University of Lagos, where he graduated top of his class with a First-Class Honors degree in Business Administration, set the stage for his future success.

Recognized for his brilliance and dedication, Charles received numerous awards, including the Federal Government of Nigeria Prize Awards and Zenith Bank’s Best Graduating Student Award. Following his graduation, Charles embarked on a career with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Nigeria. Here, he honed his skills in financial statement audits, financial statement analysis, business and asset valuation, financial due diligence and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) advisory, and was quickly noted for providing exceptional service. While at PwC, he enrolled to take the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) professional examinations, and several awards including the best qualifying candidate in a diet and best qualifying candidate in a year awards, which are ICAN’s star awards. Charles went on to work with IFRS Partners, an elite bespoke accounting firm after which he joined Ernst&Young as a Manager within the transaction advisory team. He was one of the few experts that advised and helped companies in Nigeria, particularly financial institutions, navigate the complex process of transitioning from the local accounting standards to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) during the early days of the transition between 2011 and 2014.

To further his education and deepen his expertise, Charles pursued an MBA at the prestigious Dartmouth College in the United States. This move marked the beginning of his international journey and expansion of his horizons. Post-MBA, he joined the investment banking group of one of the largest financial institutions in New York, specializing in financial and capital markets advisory for the Power, Utilities, Renewables, and Energy Transition sector. Charles’ work in New York was nothing short of transformative.

He has since played a crucial role in advising clients on complex transactions, ranging from debt and equity capital advisory to mergers and acquisitions and strategic analysis. His expertise spanned various energy generation technologies, including wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, biomass, geothermal and renewable natural gas.

Beyond the United States, Charles had a three-year stint in London specializing and successfully advising clients across Europe and the Middle East on major transactions, deepening his expertise in the understanding of regional dynamics and regulatory frameworks for specialized markets. With his strategic experience, Charles has provided financial expertise across different markets, enabling companies and organizations to secure the necessary capital for ambitious projects which is a critical role of financial institutions in driving global energy transition.

Charles Ugbegua’s journey is more than a story of professional success; it is a powerful lesson in dedication, tenacity, and excellence. For aspiring professionals, Charles’ story serves as an inspiration. It highlights the importance of setting high standards, continuously seeking knowledge, and embracing opportunities with courage and determination. Charles’ achievements remind us that success in the global financial markets requires not only expertise and experience but also the moral fortitude to persevere through challenges and strive for greatness. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of financial markets and the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, Charles Ugbegua’s expertise and leadership will undoubtedly continue to shape the future. His story is a reminder that with dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible.