The Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) has recently welcomed Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh, the National Digital Transformation Lead for Africa at Microsoft, to its Board. This appointment highlights GLEIF’s commitment to Africa and aims to leverage Angela’s expertise and experience to further enhance the organization’s mission on the continent.
Angela’s inclusion in the board makes her one of the first two Africans and the first Ghanaian to join this esteemed group. Her appointment showcases GLEIF’s recognition of Africa’s significance and the value it places on diverse perspectives.
Following the 2008 financial crisis, regulators worldwide acknowledged the challenge of identifying parties involved in transactions across different markets, products, and regions. In response, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) and the Group of 20 (G20) advocated for the development of a universal Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) applicable to all legal entities engaged in financial transactions. The LEI, a unique 20-character alphanumeric code, connects to essential reference information about an entity, enabling clear and precise identification of legal entities involved in financial transactions. This fosters enhanced transparency, risk assessment, and data accuracy in financial markets.
Based in Zurich, GLEIF, established by the Financial Stability Board (FSB), oversees the implementation and usage of Legal Entity Identifiers (LEIs) across the global financial community. The initial GLEIF Board of Directors was endorsed by the FSB Plenary in January 2014.
Angela expressed her gratitude for being selected to serve on the board and her enthusiasm for promoting the adoption of LEIs throughout Africa. She emphasized the crucial role LEIs can play in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa and facilitating cross-border trade. Additionally, she highlighted the significance of raising awareness and encouraging widespread adoption of LEIs among businesses, governments, and financial institutions to maximize the benefits they offer.
Alongside Angela’s appointment, Dessa Glasser has been named the new Chair of the Board. Folarin Alayande from Mastercard and Luis Felipe Monteiro, CEO of Cateno Payments, have also been appointed as Non-Executive Directors of the Board.
Angela’s extensive experience includes serving on various boards, including Allianz Insurance & Bayport Financial Services, and she currently serves on the Bank of Ghana board. She has played a pivotal role in driving digital transformation across the continent and fostering collaborations between tech giants, African governments, and organizations.
Source: Prince Akpah
