How Ayoade is leading the way in merging risk and finance

There are not many professionals who seamlessly blend risk management, financial analysis, and project leadership, but Oluwabunmi Ayoade stands out as one of the most sought-after experts in the field. With a career spanning multiple industries—including finance, technology, infrastructure, and energy—she has built a reputation for transforming organisational risk strategies and enhancing financial resilience through data-driven methodologies.

Ayoade’s academic foundation laid the groundwork for her expertise. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Public Administration from Babcock University, Nigeria, where she developed a deep understanding of governance, policy, and decision-making frameworks—essential skills that would later shape her approach to risk and compliance. However, it was her Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Decision Analytics from Western Illinois University, USA, that positioned her at the intersection of data analytics, financial forecasting, and risk modelling. This advanced education provided her with the quantitative expertise to integrate statistical methods into real-world business challenges, a skill that has become her signature strength.

Her career trajectory reflects her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes while pioneering cutting-edge risk mitigation strategies. At Knightsbridge Limited in Lagos, Nigeria, where she served as a Compliance Analyst, Ayoade was instrumental in overhauling compliance frameworks to align with both internal policies and external regulations. She spearheaded the implementation of a new compliance software system, reducing reporting times by 30%, and trained over 100 staff members, ensuring widespread adoption of compliance tools. Her work not only improved data accuracy and risk assessment but also reinforced her reputation as a leader in regulatory strategy.

Ayoade’s impact became even more pronounced when she transitioned to Oath for Sustainability Network in Chicago, IL, as a Risk and Project Manager. Here, she has been at the forefront of high-impact risk management projects, collaborating with senior leadership to develop strategic frameworks that mitigate financial and operational risks. She led the rollout of new risk management software, improving organisational compliance and streamlining risk reporting across multiple departments. A key part of her work involves training cross-functional teams—over 50 staff members—on best practices in regulatory compliance, predictive risk modelling, and financial risk mitigation strategies.

What makes Ayoade one of the most sought-after figures in risk and financial management is her ability to merge traditional risk assessment techniques with emerging technologies. Her groundbreaking research has explored the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Blockchain, Big Data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in financial forecasting and risk modelling. Her studies have demonstrated how Monte Carlo simulations, sensitivity analysis, and earned value management (EVM) can transform project risk assessment, leading to better financial stability and project outcomes.

Ayoade’s thought leadership extends beyond her corporate roles. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC, CMC), a prestigious recognition that highlights her exceptional contributions to the field of risk and project management. She is also a dedicated mentor and industry influencer, having served as a mentor for the Global Mentorship Initiative and a reader for the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, where she evaluated 50 high-impact applications. Her commitment to fostering the next generation of risk professionals underscores her belief in knowledge-sharing and professional development.

Beyond her corporate and academic achievements, Ayoade has established herself as a leading voice in research. Her work, particularly her studies on integrating risk management with financial forecasting, is regarded as essential reading for project managers, financial analysts, and compliance professionals. Her most recent research paper, Comparing and Merging Risk Management with Financial Analysis in Project Management, has gained widespread recognition for its empirical analysis of multiple case studies across construction, IT, infrastructure, and energy projects. The study provides a data-driven approach to cost control, financial forecasting, and risk mitigation, making it a must-read for organisations looking to improve project success rates.

What sets Ayoade apart is her ability to translate complex theoretical models into practical solutions that drive real business impact. Companies and organisations seek her expertise because she brings a holistic, technology-driven approach to risk management—one that not only anticipates risks but also strategically integrates financial analytics to prevent crises before they occur. Her unique combination of analytical expertise, leadership skills, and technological adaptability makes her a highly sought-after consultant, speaker, and industry expert.

Looking ahead, Ayoade is focused on further advancing risk-finance integration, particularly in the areas of AI-driven risk assessment and predictive analytics. She envisions a future where risk management and financial forecasting become fully automated and real-time, allowing businesses to make faster, more accurate decisions in an increasingly uncertain economic environment.