United Bank for Africa appoints Loknath Mishra as CEO of UBA UK effective Feb 2, 2026. The former ICICI Bank UK MD will strengthen trade finance, regulatory compliance, and Africa-global market connectivity
UBA Appoints Ex-ICICI Bank UK CEO Loknath Mishra to Lead UBA UK Subsidiary
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group has named banking veteran Loknath Mishra as the new Chief Executive Officer of UBA UK, with the appointment taking effect February 2, 2026.
The move reinforces UBA’s ambition to solidify its position as a premier financial bridge connecting Africa with international markets, particularly through enhanced trade, transaction, and correspondent banking services.
In his new role, Mishra will focus on establishing UBA UK as a centre of excellence in regulatory compliance and customer service, diversifying liquidity and revenue sources to bolster financial resilience, and expanding the Group’s leadership in facilitating business flows into and out of Africa.
Mishra brings extensive global banking experience across retail, corporate, investment, and transaction banking. He is widely respected for successfully building and leading regulated banking platforms in the UK and Europe.
Most recently, he served as Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank UK, where he drove expansion across the UK and Europe while strengthening governance, regulatory relationships, and operational resilience. Earlier at ICICI Bank Limited, he held senior roles including Group Head of Wholesale Banking and Global Head of Transaction Banking, where he expanded the global wholesale franchise, improved risk frameworks, and spearheaded customer-centric transformation initiatives.
Recognised for navigating complex regulatory landscapes and championing digital innovation in trade finance, cash management, and retail banking, Mishra was honoured with the Freedom of the City of London for his contributions to financial services.
UBA Group Managing Director and CEO Oliver Alawuba welcomed the appointment, praising Mishra’s unique expertise.
“His leadership will be critical in advancing UBA UK’s role as a flagship international subsidiary and in strengthening our ability to support trade and investment flows between Africa and global markets,” Alawuba said. He added that the appointment underscores UBA’s ongoing commitment to building a world-class international banking franchise that advances Africa’s integration into the global economy.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Mishra said: “UBA’s unique role in connecting Africa to global markets is both compelling and strategically important. I look forward to working with colleagues across the Group to further strengthen UBA UK’s platform and to support clients in unlocking growth across Africa and beyond.”
UBA UK plays a pivotal role in the Group’s international network, delivering correspondent banking, trade finance, transaction banking, and treasury solutions to African corporates, financial institutions, sovereigns, and global partners.
