Humanity is currently grappling with a multitude of ever-pressing crises with many of these, such as climate change, persistent conflicts, and deep-rooted inequalities, felt more acutely in the regions collectively known as the Global South. If we are to overcome these a collective response is mission critical. For former Treasurer of the World Bank Arunma Oteh, at the heart of this response is reshaping the world’s capital markets. At their best, capital markets can lift millions out of poverty, accelerate wealth creation, and catalyse human progress. This is the lynchpin of Oteh’s galvanising new book All Hands on Deck, exploring how prosperity can be unleashed through capital markets and the leadership skills required to drive this global change.
Oteh is a global authority on capital markets and a highly accomplished leader with four decades of experience in finance, corporate and public governance, and international development. All Hands on Deck invites the reader on Oteh’s impressive career journey, starting with her first introduction to financial markets at the age of eight, tracing through to her global capital markets leadership roles.
Oteh’s work offers a profound case study for how decisive leadership and capital markets can be transformational for national development when collective action at all levels is prioritised.
All Hands on Deck also serves as a useful introduction to capital markets, with Oteh keenly unpicking the complex nuances of market structures and breaking down the key stakeholders to ensure the book’s accessibility. This provides important context before delving into her work leading the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Drawing on practical anecdotes and insightful reflections, Oteh explains the unique challenges associated with leadership in the public sector alongside her own leadership philosophy known as the 4Cs – Character, Compassion, Competence, and Courage.
With the 2030 target for reaching the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals rapidly approaching, All Hands on Deck reflects on the role capital markets need to play if we are going to reach these important milestones, including innovative financing solutions, and enhanced international cooperation. Similarly, Oteh compellingly presents how strong financial systems can shape the future of developing economies by offering key practical steps for how developing countries can build sustainable and impactful capital markets. This approach requires action at every level, including individual empowerment with an increased focus on financial literacy. For Oteh, this is an essential building block for a prosperous society, and for harnessing youthful populations.
While capital markets are the backbone of a thriving economy, to build robust markets that positively serve humanity, all hands-on deck are needed. Whether a policy maker, government official, finance professional, leader or citizen, All Hands on Deck is a must-read, providing the leadership lessons and technical knowledge required unleash potential and generate true global economic and social transformation.
About the Author
Arunma Oteh is a highly accomplished leader and expert in global capital markets with 40 years of experience in finance, governance, and international development. The Chairperson of a UK Asset Manager, she has also held a critical leadership role as Treasurer of the World Bank.
Currently, Arunma is an academic at the University of Oxford, and focuses on the intersections of innovation, sustainability, capital markets, and socioeconomic development. Arunma has a first-class degree in computer science and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
