Clifford Mettle has been appointed executive chairman of Ghana by DKK Partners, an emerging markets and foreign exchange liquidity fintech company, to help strengthen West African operations.

According to the firm, the new appointment highlights its ambitious aspirations to expand across Africa while democratising the payments industry and assisting emerging nations in their development by providing much-needed FX and financial services such as virtual IBAN accounts.

Mettle's appointment follows DKK's growth into the African market, which began with the opening of its Ghana office last year to supplement its existing activities in Cameroon, and was followed by the acquisition of an operating licence.

According to the company, Mettle is a seasoned banker with three decades of experience in African financial services, having worked for Ghana International Bank in London and Citibank in New York.

"As the chairman of the Banking Commission of the International Chamber of Commerce, Ghana and past president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, he will offer skills in marketing strategy, consulting and leadership which will significantly help drive DKK Partner's future plans," according to the company.

''My deep understanding of global markets, treasury functions, investments, and currency movements will serve to accelerate the firm to optimal performance and efficiency, boosting their mission to making fintech accessible to all,'' Mettle says of his hiring.

DKK Partners co-founder Khalid Talukder adds: "We are looking forward to driving our plans forward, offering forex and payments technologies to those who need it, and promoting business growth worldwide."