Exceptional Man

The Exceptional Man: Farooq Oreagba – The Savvy Visionary Bridging Global Finance & African Ambition

Meet Farooq Oreagba: The City of London-Trained Deal-Maker Now Shaping Africa’s Financial Future

In the world of high finance, few names command as much respect—and intrigue—as Farooq Oreagba. The dapper, sharp-witted Managing Director & CEO of NG Clearing Limited is not your typical City boy. With a career spanning London’s trading floors, European derivatives markets, and now Nigeria’s burgeoning financial scene, Oreagba is the epitome of a modern global financier with a Pan-African vision. 

But what makes him truly exceptional is not just his CV—it is his rare blend of street-smart trading instincts, boardroom strategy, and an unshakable belief in Africa’s potential. 

From London’s Trading Floors to Lagos’ Boardrooms

Farooq’s story reads like a hedge fund thriller. After cutting his teeth in the high-octane world of EuroStoxx 50 derivatives trading in London, he climbed the ranks at Fortis, Fimat International Banque, and GNI Limited—some of the most formidable players in equity derivatives and interbank brokerage. 

Fun Fact: At GNI (MAN Group), then the biggest derivatives firm on the London International Financial Futures Exchange (LIFFE), he wasn’t just another trader—he was the go-to guy for complex OTC and listed options. 

Yet, unlike many expat financiers who stay put in Mayfair, Oreagba had bigger ambitions: bringing world-class financial infrastructure back home to Africa.

The Architect of Nigeria’s Market Revolution

When Farooq returned to Nigeria, he didn’t just settle into a cushy executive role—he rewrote the rulebook. As Head of Strategy at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (now NGX Group), he: 

Launched Nigeria’s first-ever equity indices (now the backbone of derivatives trading) 

Pioneered Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) & Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Lured international capital into Africa’s largest economy

His mantra? “If you build it properly, the money will come.”

The NG Clearing Era: Africa’s Answer to Global CCP Giants

Today, as CEO of NG Clearing, Farooq is on a mission to create a world-class Central Counterparty (CCP) clearinghouse—the kind that reduces risk, boosts liquidity, and puts Nigeria (and Africa) firmly on the global financial map. 

Why It Matters: In plain terms? No CCP, no sophisticated markets. And Oreagba is ensuring Africa doesn’t get left behind.

Beyond the Boardroom: The Man Behind the Suit

Farooq isn’t just a finance whiz—he is a true Renaissance man:

A Civil Engineer by training (B.Eng) who pivoted into high finance—talk about range!

A globetrotter who’s worked in London, Paris, Johannesburg, and Lagos 

 A mentor shaping the next generation of African financiers 

Oh, and did I mention? He’s SFA-qualified in the UK—meaning he’s as comfortable trading FTSE 100 futures as he is negotiating deals in Lagos. 

Final Thought: What Makes an Exceptional Man?

Farooq Oreagba embodies it: the intellect of a strategist, the nerve of a trader, and the vision of a nation-builder. In a world where many chase quick wins, he’s playing the long game—for Africa. 

His Legacy

 Transforming Nigeria from a market dependent on oil into a financial hub that rivals the world’s best.

What do you think makes a truly exceptional leader in today’s world? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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