Justina Stella Laing joins Universal Merchant Bank as COO

Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) has officially appointed Ms Justina Stella Laing as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). This strategic move is intended to drive the bank’s operational transformation and efficiency agenda as it seeks to strengthen its position in Ghana’s financial sector. Ms Laing brings a wealth of expertise to the role, having spent nearly two decades in the financial services industry. With over 18 years of professional experience, Ms Laing has a proven track record of managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios. Prior to joining UMB, she held several senior leadership positions at reputable financial institutions, where she developed a reputation for operational excellence and strategic oversight. Her appointment is seen as a key component of the bank’s commitment to providing reliable, customer-centric financial solutions. In her new capacity, Ms Laing will be responsible for spearheading UMB’s efforts to enhance customer experience and streamline internal processes. The bank, which boasts over 50 years of experience in the Ghanaian market, aims to leverage her leadership to ensure more consistent service delivery. By focusing on operational efficiency, UMB intends to modernize its service models to better serve its growing client base. The appointment of Ms Laing comes at a time when Ghanaian banks are increasingly focusing on digital transformation and operational resilience. As UMB moves forward with its transformation agenda, her role will be critical in aligning the bank’s operations with its long-term strategic goals. The bank expressed confidence that her leadership will contribute significantly to its mission of delivering innovative and accessible banking services.