Gregory Esangbedo

Seasoned corporate attorney with 30+ years' experience advising multinationals, financial institutions and leading organizations across Africa and Europe. Skilled in compliance governance, dispute resolution, commercial advisory, with a proven record of guiding boards and executives through complex regulatory landscapes. Published thought leader in secured transactions law.

Skilled at building trusted relationships with regulators and stakeholders, enabling successful market entry and operational resilience across diverse jurisdictions.

Principal Counsel - Greg Esangbedo & Associates - Abuja, Nigeria

(2020-04)

Leads in formulating the strategy and overseeing the provision of legal services to 30+ clients, consisting mainly of the financial institutions, multinationals and government agencies.

• Technical expert on responsible digital finance and financial inclusion to the UN Capital Development Fund's 'Beta than Cash Alliance' project in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Secured approvals for opening new branches by financial institutions and for installing renewable energy systems into the construction of smart homes on behalf of construction firms.
• Developed and implemented a compliance framework that translated banking and prudential guideline into clear actions for a global financial institution intending to enter Nigeria.
• Spearheaded the amicable resolution of a commercial dispute valued at US$1.5 million between an oil and gas logistics company and an international IOC, drafting the terms of settlement.
• Built trusted relationships with regulators and government officials to sustain business operations.

Contract Manager - XML International Ltd - London, UK

(2018-05 - 2020-02)

Managed the commercial and compliance process culminating in the execution of contracts by a leading UK-based workforce multinational across 100+ countries.

• Developed a comprehensive compliance plan for the GDPR and led its implementation, serving as the Company's inaugural DPO.
• Implemented initiatives to improve contracting; managed the implementation of a contract management software and developed SOPs to reflect the differences in contractual processes under different legal systems.
• Negotiated and drafted various forms of contracts, including employment contracts to engage 100+ employees for the UN Office of Humanitarian Affairs for peace missions in Africa.
• Performed contract audits to ascertain the level of compliance with regulatory requirements, including the audit of an INGO's compliance with USAID's grant requirements

Senior Legal Counsel - African Export-Import Bank - Abuja, Nigeria

(2015-01 - 2017-06)

• Advised on trade, project and other finance transactions, including 50+ alternative financing for SMEs per annum, including ways of mitigating credit risks arising from such transactions.
• Conducted legal due diligence on potential borrowers in different countries to drive risk assessments, and compliance with AML and Anti-Corruption laws and regulations.
• Reviewed credit risk assessments to generate actions to drive credit negotiations and agreements.
• Drafted various forms of agreements, including B2B financing agreements with firms across different countries.
• Collaborated with external counsel in resolving disputes arising from credit transactions

Manager, Legal Services Division - United Bank for Africa Plc - Lagos, Nigeria

(2004-05 - 2014-10)

• Advised the Bank's management on the legal and regulatory framework for doing business in other countries, providing groundwork for the opening of international branches; secured regulatory approval and banking licenses for 3 sub-Saharan African branches.
• Formulated a comprehensive compliance plan reflecting key banking operations requirements across 10 countries, including the UK and US to ensure adherence to financial regulatory frameworks for existing and intended branches.
• Advised on loan transactions in foreign countries, developing agreement templates; negotiated and drafted agreements that met country regulatory requirements to back up transactions
• Supported board governance and compliance functions for international branches, acting as corporate secretary for UBA Ghana.
• Built regional networks with policymakers and industry associations to strengthen UBA's regional advocacy agenda.

Consultant, Business Regulatory Services - KPMG (then called Arthur Andersen) - Lagos, Nigeria

(2000-01 - 2004-03)

• Advised foreign companies desirous of entering into the Nigerian business landscape on the regulatory framework for doing business in Nigeria; coordinated investment advisory, including securing business licenses for a portfolio of 7 multinationals.
• Led legal due diligence on behalf of clients, including one for the leading global soft drink manufacturer's increased investment in a Nigerian bottling company.
• Resolved disputes with regulatory authorities on behalf of clients; successfully challenged an illegal regulation by which the apex financial regulator imposed an illegal levy on banks.
• Carried out extensive research and contributed to writing 4 newsletters on the impact of regulatory changes on business activities.

Counsel - Aelex Law Partners (then called Messrs. Anga & Emuwa) - Lagos, Nigeria

(1992-07 - 1999-12)

• Conducted extensive legal research and proffered opinions on private law issues of simple to medium complexity; prepared 40+ legal opinions during my engagement.
• Prepared court pleadings to initiate or defend civil suits on behalf of clients and represented clients in court; spearheaded the resolution of disputes through ADR mechanisms.
• Assisted clients to obtain or renew business licenses and file returns in the financial and other sectors.
• Kept abreast with developments in the local and global legal and regulatory environment and advised clients on their potential impact.

MPhil in Law - Secured Transactions Law - Keble College, University of Oxford (2019)

LL.M - Corporate & Commercial Law - University of Lagos (1992)

BL - Law License - Nigerian Law School (1989)

LLB - Law - Ambrose Alli University (1988)

MS - Management & Administration (Risk Management) - UT Dallas (2010)