A Nigerian-born investment banker and financial scholar, Kehinde Abiodun, is playing a critical role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure in the United States through his advisory work with leading Wall Street firms.
Abiodun currently serves as an associate at Evercore Inc., a globally respected independent investment banking advisory firm. At Evercore, he leads mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory for high-value transactions in the telecommunications and digital infrastructure sectors. His focus includes capital raising for broadband expansion projects such as data centres, fibre-optic networks, and small-cell deployments — particularly in underserved North American communities.
Speaking in a note shared with The PUNCH, Abiodun said his work transcends finance, touching on broader social goals such as equitable access to education, information, and opportunity. He described expanding digital infrastructure as crucial to bridging socio-economic divides in regions long deprived of high-speed connectivity.
“My work is driven by more than financial metrics. It’s about empowering communities through access,” he said.
From Nigeria to Wall Street
Born in Nigeria, Abiodun’s journey to Wall Street began at Covenant University, where he graduated as the Best Student in Accounting and Business. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Finance and Investments from Durham University in the United Kingdom and later completed an MBA at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
At Darden, he distinguished himself not just academically but also through his leadership, spearheading efforts to recruit more African students into the programme.
Abiodun said that his success is rooted in a multidisciplinary approach combining deep financial knowledge with technical skills in tax structuring, securities advisory, and advanced financial modelling.
“Every transaction I work on must reflect both precision in execution and a clear purpose,” he noted. “It’s not just about deploying capital, but about making capital count.”
Scholar, Mentor, and Industry Voice
In addition to his work at Evercore, Abiodun maintains a strong academic presence. He has authored several peer-reviewed articles covering topics such as blockchain logistics, AI-driven financial modelling, and central bank digital currencies. His work has appeared in respected publications, including the Finance & Accounting Research Journal and the International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology (IJSRMT).
In March 2025, Abiodun was named Overall Best Reviewer by IJSRMT, a recognition of his contribution to the quality and rigor of international financial research.
He also serves on the editorial boards of journals spanning finance, science, and engineering—further underscoring his influence across both academic and industry domains.
“Peer review gives me a quiet but powerful way to help shape the future of financial thought,” he said.
Giving Back Through Mentorship
Outside of the boardroom and academic institutions, Abiodun is passionate about mentorship and youth empowerment. Through the Evercore Foundation, he supports first-generation high school students in New York City, offering career mentorship, CV writing workshops, and professional development coaching.
“I believe access and opportunity go hand-in-hand. It’s why I make time to mentor young people who might not otherwise see a path into finance,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As digital transformation accelerates globally, the demand for infrastructure financing and advisory expertise is only set to grow. Kehinde Abiodun’s story is emblematic of how talent, purpose, and education can combine to create meaningful impact—both in global finance and in local communities.
With his unique blend of Wall Street acumen, academic rigour, and social commitment, Abiodun is steadily carving a name for himself as one of the most influential Nigerian voices in international finance today.
