EMERGING technology trends in the digital space will enable emerging markets, especially in Africa, to bypass the old systems and adopt digital infrastructure at a speed faster than that of well-established markets, CEO of Trium Limited, Adebayo Adewolu, has said.
Adewolu spoke while giving key insights at the 2024 International Capital Markets Association (ICMA) FinTech & Digitalisation Forum, held in London.
The event, which has become a prominent platform for industry leaders, explored the transformative role of technology in capital markets, bringing together top minds from across the globe to discuss the future of the industry.
Mr Adewolu participated as a panellist in a session titled: “Will the new digital world ever fully replace the legacy market?”
He was joined by experts from J.P. Morgan, ING, XU Exponential University, and the Digital Token Identifier Foundation. Moderated by Andy Hill, Co-Head of Market Practice and Regulatory Policy at ICMA, the panel explored key themes such as the digital bond ecosystem, the integration of AI and machine learning, and the ongoing role of regulation in fostering technological innovation.
During the discussion, Adewolu offered a forward-looking view on the co-existence of legacy systems and emerging technologies. He emphasised the opportunity for emerging markets to leapfrog traditional infrastructures, adopting advanced digital solutions more rapidly. He stressed the opportunity for economic inclusion and democratisation of access to capital markets leveraging digital channels.
His remarks highlighted how technologies such as tokenisation and artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially reshape capital markets by making them more efficient, transparent, and accessible.
“The legacy markets will not disappear overnight, but what we’re seeing is a unique chance for markets, especially in Africa and other emerging regions, to bypass old systems and adopt digital infrastructure faster than more established markets,” Adewolu said.
He also stressed the importance of human oversight in a world where automation is increasingly prominent. While AI and machine learning are becoming critical tools in areas such as risk management and trading, Adewolu noted that experienced professionals will continue to play a crucial role in interpreting data and ensuring market integrity.
The forum, which saw participation from leading institutions across the financial sector, also touched on the evolving regulatory environment.
Panellists underscored the need for a balanced approach that allows innovation to flourish while protecting market participants and maintaining investor confidence.
Closing remarks by Georgina Jarratt of ICMA and Emma Lovett of J.P. Morgan echoed the forum’s focus on the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration as the capital markets sector navigates an era of rapid technological change.
The participation of Adewolu at the ICMA FinTech & Digitalisation Forum signals Trium Limited’s commitment to staying at the cutting edge of digitisation initiatives in its markets. With the insights gathered from the forum, Trium is well-positioned to continue driving innovation in the sector.
Reason for participation
Explaining the rationale behind Trium Limited’s participation, Adewolu highlighted the company’s commitment to driving innovation in capital markets, particularly in emerging regions such as Africa.
“Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to digital transformation in capital markets. Participating in this forum provided us with a platform to engage with industry peers, explore the latest trends, and ensure we are aligned with the future trajectory of the market,” Adewolu said.
For Trium, the forum presented an opportunity to engage with pioneering ideas on the digital bond ecosystem, AI-driven trading, and the integration of machine learning in financial risk management. The event also underscored the role of regulation in fostering innovation while safeguarding market integrity—a balance that will be critical in the years ahead.
“Emerging markets have a unique opportunity to leapfrog legacy systems and implement cutting-edge technologies faster than more established markets.
“At Trium, we see this as a chance to drive real, lasting change in the capital markets of tomorrow,” Adewolu said.
Other key topics addressed at the forum included the rise of tokenisation, which has the potential to revolutionise the issuance and trading of bonds, as well as the growing importance of harmonised data standards for ensuring seamless digital operations. Panelists, including those from J.P. Morgan and ING, also stressed the continued importance of human expertise, despite the increasing role of AI in decision-making processes within capital markets.
