In the fast-growing world of digital lending, one Nigerian professional is reshaping how fintechs approach credit risk. Oyindamola Ogunruku, a Risk Analyst with Paydayhubonline, sat down with Myjoyonline to discuss her groundbreaking work on adaptive risk scorecards, which is already influencing lending practices across West Africa.

Q: What inspired you to design a new risk scorecard framework?

Ogunruku: Traditional models relied too much on static, historical data. In volatile economies like Nigeria, and indeed other African markets, such models often fail. I wanted to create a system that adapts to real-time conditions—tracking transaction behaviour, spending patterns, and market signals—to give a truer picture of creditworthiness.

Q: How has this changed the way fintechs lend?

Ogunruku: The main impact is resilience. With adaptive scorecards, fintechs can respond quickly to inflation, currency shifts, or sudden market shocks. Instead of pulling back during uncertainty, lenders now have the confidence to extend credit sustainably. That means more people and businesses can access finance without putting institutions at undue risk.

Q: What was the reaction when you introduced the model?

Ogunruku: Industry observers recognised it as a first of its kind locally. For me, the most rewarding part was seeing fintech leaders appreciate that this wasn’t just about risk control—it was about empowering innovation. It gave fintechs a way to grow responsibly even when the economic climate was unpredictable.

Q: Do you see relevance for Ghana and other African countries?

Ogunruku: Absolutely. Ghana, like Nigeria, has a vibrant fintech ecosystem. Both countries face similar macroeconomic challenges, such as inflation and liquidity pressures. Adaptive risk models can help lenders in Ghana strengthen their credit systems and expand responsibly. In fact, the framework was designed with the broader African market in mind.

Q: What is your broader vision for fintech risk management in Africa?

Ogunruku: I believe Africa’s fintechs can lead the world in innovation—if we build models that are realistic about our environment. Risk management should not be about restricting growth; it should enable it. My work is just one step toward building financial systems that are both dynamic and resilient.