,, ,,
Successful CEOs are those who have the ability to inspire and motivate others, to build strong teams, and to lead by example.
- Cyril Ramaphosa
Editorial
Africa's Financial Renaissance
Astheworldshiftsitsfocustoemergingmarkets,Africastandsoutwithpromisingeconomic
prospects.In2025,thecontinentisanticipatedtoexperiencesignificantgrowth,projectedataround 4%.Thispositivetrajectoryisfueledbyacombinationoffactors,includingayouthfulpopulationand abundantnaturalresources.Theriseofdigitalfinanceisalsotransformingthedomain,makingfinancial servicesmoreaccessibletomillions.
Theprivatesector'sinterestinAfricaissurging,withmultinationalcorporationsincreasinglyinvestinginkey sectorssuchasrenewableenergyandtechnology.CompaniesarerecognizingthevastpotentialwithinAfrica's borders,particularlyinitsrichmineralresourcesandexpandingconsumermarkets.Thisinfluxofinvestment notonlyboostseconomicactivitybutalsofostersinnovationandjobcreation.
However,challengesremain.Structuralissuessuchasinadequateinfrastructureandhighdebtlevelsmustbe addressedtodiscoverAfrica'sfullpotential.InitiativesliketheAfricanContinentalFreeTradeArea (AfCFTA)aimtocreateaunifiedmarket,facilitatingtradeandenhancingeconomiccooperationamong nations.Thisstrategicmoveisexpectedtoreducebarriersandpromoteregionalintegration.
Insummary,Africa'sfinancialfutureisbright,characterizedbyresilienceandopportunity.Withtheright strategiesinplace,includingimprovedregulatoryframeworksandenhancedpublic-privatepartnerships,the continentispoisedtoemergeasakeyplayerontheglobaleconomicstage.Asthesedevelopmentsunfold, Africa'sjourneytowardssustainablegrowthwillundoubtedlycapturetheworld'sattention.
Inthelatesteditionof Insights Success,titled"Top10InvestmentBanksShapingAfrica'sFinancial Future,"highlightsleaderswhohavebeeninstrumentalinshapingthecontinent'sfinanciallandscape.These investmentbanksarenotonlyfacilitatingcapitalflowsbutalsodrivinginnovationandsustainablepractices withinthefinancialsector
Haveagoodreadahead!
-AlayaBrown
F E A T U R I N G
08. Development Bank Ghana Empowering Economic Growth and Inclusion
P R O F I L E S
16. 24.
CRDB Bank Group Transforming Lives Through Financial Literacy
I&M Group PLC Permitting Financial Futures as a Trusted Financial Partner
30. Stanbic Bank Botswana Empowering Communities through Sustainable Banking 40. UBA Kenya Empowering Economies through Innovative Banking Solutions
20. 36. A R T I C L E S How Investment Banking Strategies Differ Across Global Markets
Why Cross-Border Transactions Present Unique Challenges for Investment Banks
Bramel | Bou que investment bank bramel.co.za
Tyrone Niland Director Company
CRDB Bank Plc crdbbank.co.tz
Development Bank Ghana dbg.com.gh
Dry Associates Investment Bank dryassociates.com
Faida Investment Bank fib.co.ke
Fidelity Bank Gh Ltd idelitybank.com
I&M Group PLC imbankgroup.com
NCBA Investment Bank Limited investment-bank. ncbagroup.com
Stanbic Bank Botswana stanbicbank.co.bw
UBA Kenya ubakenya.com
Featuring
Abdulmajid Nsekela Group CEO and Managing Director
Eric Osei-Assibey Chief Economist
James Dry Managing Director
Bramel is a bou que investment bank based in South Africa, specializing in providing tailored financial services and strategic advisory solu ons to businesses and ins tu onal investors.
CRDB Bank Plc is a leading financial ins tu on in Tanzania, renowned for its innova ve banking solu ons, customercentric approach, and commitment to economic growth.
Development Bank Ghana (DBG) is a government-backed financial ins tu on dedicated to fostering economic growth and suppor ng businesses across Ghana.
Dry Associates Investment Bank is a leading investment and financial advisory firm dedicated to providing tailored capital market solu ons in Kenya and beyond.
Lucas O eno Managing Director
Faida Investment Bank is a premier financial services provider in Kenya, specializing in investment banking, wealth management, and capital markets advisory
Julian Opuni Managing Director
Kihara Maina Regional CEO
Kathure Githinji-Nyamu Managing Director
Fidelity Bank Ghana Ltd is one of Ghana’s leading financial ins tu ons, commi ed to providing innova ve and customer-centric banking solu ons.
I&M Group PLC is a leading financial services provider with a strong presence across East Africa, offering a diverse range of banking and investment solu ons.
NCBA Investment Bank Limited is a leading financial services provider specializing in investment banking, asset management, and advisory solu ons across East Africa.
Chose Modise
CEO
Ms. Mary Mulili MD/CEO
Stanbic Bank Botswana is a premier financial ins tu on commi ed to driving economic growth and providing worldclass banking solu ons in Botswana.
UBA Kenya, a subsidiary of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, is a premier financial ins tu on providing a comprehensive range of banking products and services to individuals, businesses, and corporate clients across Kenya.
C O V E R S T O R Y
Bank Ghana Development
Empowering Economic Growth and Inclusion
DBG has made substantial investments in establishing a stateof-the-art data center with the objective of creating the largest data repository for SMEs in Ghana.
ThejourneyofDevelopment
BankGhana(DBG)is intricatelywovenintothedaily experiencesandaspirationsof individualsandfamiliesacrossGhana. Fromthefarmertendingtofields,to theenterprisingyoungpersonstriving tolaunchastartup,andthedetermined marketwomanambitiouslygrowing herbusiness,andallthoseforginga pathtowardsabrighterfuture.While othersmayseethesepursuitsasmere jobs,DBGseeslivesandlegacy
DBGhasbecomeanindispensable financialbackboneinGhana, particularlysupportingkeysectors suchasagricultureandtechnology As ofMay2024,DBGhaddisbursedover GHS1.3billioninloans,providing strategicfinancialinterventionsthat havehelpedstabilizeandgrowthese industries,evenintimesofeconomic uncertainty.DBGhasallocated substantialresourcestowards empoweringwomen-ledbusinesses.So far,137millionGhanaCedishasbeen directedtowardssupportinggender equalitytofostereconomicdiversity andpromotemassprosperity.
TosafeguardDBG'svisionof acceleratinginclusiveandsustainable economictransformationthrougha competitiveprivatesector,theBank, ledbyKDuker,iscommittedto ensuringitslong-termfinancial sustainability,whichtypicallyhinges onpredictablefunding.Thisrequires notonlyattractinginvestorsand fundingpartnersbutalsomaintaining theirconfidencethroughdedicated effort,trust-building,andunwavering commitmenttotheBank'smissionand objectives.
DBGtrulyexemplifieshowvisionand innovativeapproachesseamlessly convergetomeetandsurpassthe rigorousdemandsofdevelopment finance.TheBank'sstrategyto securingpredictablefundingis multifaceted,combiningstrategic
GIFE serves as a platform for financial education, access to finance, and entry into international marketplaces.
leadership,innovativefinancial instruments,androbustrisk managementpractices.This comprehensiveapproachensuresthat DBGcontinuestoberesilientand forward-thinking,becausethevisionto improvelivesisonlyprotectedwhen thebusinessissustainable.
CommunityofDevelopmentBanks
Drawingparallelsfromtheadage"It takesavillagetoraiseachild,"DBG, whilewhollyownedbythe GovernmentofGhana,isbackedbya communityofglobaldevelopment banks.Theirsteadfastsupportnotonly fueledtheinceptionofDevelopment BankGhanabutalsocontinuesto propelourstrategicinitiativesforward.
TheWorldBankGrouphasbeena pillarofdevelopmentgloballysince 1944,withasteadfastcommitmentto reducingpovertyandpromoting sustainabledevelopment.In2020,they launchedtheGhanaDevelopment FinanceProjectwithasignificant investmentof$250million.This visionaryproject,emergingfroman extensivefeasibilitystudy,aimsto stimulateeconomicgrowthandjob creation,focusingparticularlyon SMEsandvitalsectorssuchas agribusinessandmanufacturing.The DevelopmentBankGhana,birthed fromthisinitiative,isdesignedto bridgelong-standingfinancialgapsand enhanceournation'seconomic competitiveness.
TheEuropeanInvestmentBank, knownforbolsteringeconomicgrowth andregionalintegrationwithinthe
EuropeanUnionsince1958,has extendedalineofcreditof€170 milliontoDBG.Thissubstantial supportunderscorestheEIB's confidenceinourpotentialtodrive significanteconomicchangesin Ghana.
KfWBank,abeaconofreconstruction andsustainabledevelopmentin Germanysince1948,hasgenerously providedDBGwithaloanof€46.5 million.Thisfundingispivotalin supportingourgreenandsustainable initiatives,layingdownthe infrastructureforaresilientGhanaian economy
TheAfricanDevelopmentBank, dedicatedtospurringsustainable economicdevelopmentandsocial progressacrossAfricasince1964,has fortifiedourfoundationwithagrantof $38.3million.Thisgrantisatestament totheAfDB'scommitmenttonurturing economictransformationacrossthe continent.
Thesepartnershipsareacollective testamenttotheglobalconfidencein Ghana'spotentialandDBG'sroleasa catalystforchange.Togetherwith theseesteemedinstitutions,DBGisset totransformtheeconomiclandscapeof Ghana,ensuringprosperityand sustainabilityforfuturegenerations. Weareimmenselygratefulforthetrust andresourcesthatthesepartnershave investedinDBG.Theirsupport enablesustomoveforwardwith confidenceanddetermination, committedtoachievinginclusive growthandeconomicresiliencefor Ghana.
ChallengestotheTraditional DevelopmentBankModel
Despitethisgreatsupportthereisa realismthatthatthetraditional developmentbankbusinessmodelis notsustainablewithoutpredictableand regularreplenishment.Thisisbecause asaDevelopmentBank,DBGfaces threeexistentialthreatstofinancial sustainabiliy
• High-RiskInvestments:DBGis taskedwithrevitalizing underservedsectors,committing toinvestmentsinareasthat,while crucialfordiversification,are oftenneglectedbytraditional financiersduetotheirvolatility.
• LimitedProfitability:In alignmentwithitsdevelopmental mandate,DBGisconstrainedfrom significantlyboostingprofitsby transferringinterestrateincreases toitsborrowers.Thisapproach ensuresthatfinancialsupport remainsaccessibleandaffordable, especiallyduringeconomic downturns.
• RoleDuringCrises:Asa designated'stresspartner,'DBG's
• rolebecomesevenmorecrucial duringeconomiccrises.It providesstabilityandsupport whenotherfinancialinstitutions mayretreat,actingasastabilizing forcewithinthefinancialsector andensuringcontinuityinfunding forcriticaldevelopmentprojects.
Macro-EconomicChallenges:Impact ofEconomicDownturnsonlyworsen thecongenitalproblem
Therecentglobalandlocaleconomic downturnshaveaccentuatedtheneed forachangetotheunsustainable traditionalmodel:
• Inflation:Ghanaexperienced dramaticinflationrates,peakingat 54.1%inlate2022,whichposed significantchallengesin
maintainingthecostofoperations withoutcompromisingservice delivery
• CurrencyDepreciation: Alongsideinflation,theGhanaian Cedifacedsignificant depreciation,droppingby46.6% inUSDtermsfromMarch2021to March2024.Thisdepreciation severelyimpactsthevalueof DBG'sequity,originallyvaluedat USD238.2million,but consequentlydecreasingtoUSD 127.3million.
AndStill,WeThrive
Despitetheeconomicturbulence,DBG hasdemonstratedremarkableresilience andeffectiveness:
DBGasaStressPartner:Intimesof economicvolatilityanduncertainty, DBGstandsasasteadfaststress partnerforbusinessesinGhana.As oneillustrationin thehospitality industry,DBGprovidedfundingfor localhotelsduringtheCOVID-19 pandemicwhentheirbusinesseswere mostvulnerable,andmanybanks couldnotlendtothem.Onehotelfor instance,receivedaDBGloanofGHS 128millionthroughDBGPartner Bankstorenovateandexpandtheir facilities,consequentlycreatingabout 188directjobsand750indirectjobs. AnotherHotelusedaDBGloanto upgradefroma2-startoa3-star establishment,increasingtheirstaff from30to55.Businessgrowthis expectedtoreflectintheirrespective
fiscalandforeignincomecontribution totheGhanaianeconomy.DBG ensurescontinuityandresilienceby helpingbusinessesandcommunities navigatechallengeswithconfidence.
DBGasaCatalyst:DBG'sinnovative approachestodevelopmentfinanceis stronglyreflectedinitsroleasa catalyst.IncollaborationwithProxtera (Singapore)andBankofGhana (BOG),DBGhascuratedtheGhana IntegratedFinancialEcosystem(GIFE) project.GIFEisaplatformdesignedto supportMSMEsthroughtraining, marketplaceintegration,financing, equitybuilding,andmarketlisting.The GIFEproject,undertheBankof Ghana'sSandbox,hassuccessfully onboarded5,843SMEsanddisbursed 8millionGhanaCedistosomeSMEs
throughConsolidatedBankGhana (CBG)withoutcollateral.Asacatalyst, DBGalsostrivestopositionGhanaas aburgeoninghubforfinancial technologyandinnovation.Atypical exampleisthe3iAfricaSummit, organizedinpartnershipwithBOGand Elevandi(Singapore),inMay2024. TheSummitfosterednewpartnerships andattractedinternationalinvestment, highlightingDBG'sroleindriving significantsocio-economicimpactand positioningitselfasacatalystfor changeevenunderchallenging conditions.
DBGasaCollaborator:DBG continuestocollaboratewithrelevant partnersandstakeholderstodrive impact.Topromoteagribusinessand foodsecurityforexample,DBGhas
collaboratedwiththeGhanaIncentiveBasedRisk-SharingSystemfor AgriculturalLending(GIRSAL). DBG,inpartnershipwithGIRSAL enhancesagriculturalfinancing throughdealfacilitation,project monitoring,partialcreditguarantees, andcapacitybuildingofParticipating FinancialInstitutions(PFIs)and SMEs.Thepartnershipsupportslargescaleintegratedprojectsinkey agriculturalvaluechains,leveraging complementarystrengthstostimulate andbolsteragriculturalfinancing. Additionally,DBG'sintroductionof PartialCreditGuarantees(PCGs) furthermitigatesrisksforlenders, makingitmorefeasibleforSMEsto accessthenecessaryfunding.
EstablishingaNewParadigm
Thefutureofsustainingdevelopment banksgoesbeyondrelianceonexternal funding.DBGisuniquelypositionedat theintersectionoffinancial institutions,MSMEs,andthe Government,DBGisleadingthewave ofAfricandevelopmentbanksevolving fromfinancierstoecosystembuilders. Bystandardizingunderwritingterms, behavioralexpectations,andpolicy frameworks,DBGhasthepotentialto unleashsynergythatenhancesthe efficiencyandreachofdevelopment initiatives.Theaggregationand monetizationofthesesynergiespoint toasustainablefuture. Thisintegrated strategywilldefinethefuturesuccess andsustainabilityofdevelopment banks.DBGleadsthistransformative shift,demonstratingthatwhenthese sectorsalignundercommongoals,the potentialforsubstantial,scalable impactisunlimited.
DBGisworkinghardtoconsolidate oureffortintoDBG+,acomplex ecosystembringingtogethermultiple stakeholderstodeliveraholistic solutionthatwillrevolutionizeSME enablement.
Conclusion
DBGsetsastandardforexcellencein developmentbankinginAfricaby adheringtostrictgovernancestandards andbestpractices,enhancingbothits credibilityandoperational effectiveness.Ghanahasseen developmentbanksinthepastthat couldnotsustainthetraditional developmentbankmodelandwere compelledtotransforminto commercialretailbankstostayafloat.
Incontrast,DBGstandsasatestament tothepowerofresilientleadershipand strategicmanagementindevelopment banking.Bynavigatingthesector's
inherentchallengeswithablendof innovativestrategiesandleadership, DBGestablishesanewbenchmarkfor howdevelopmentbankscandrive significantsocio-economicimpact, evenunderchallengingconditions. Throughitsactionsandachievements, DBGnotonlysupportsbutinspires, provingthatwithdeterminationand vision,eventhesteepestchallengescan besurmounted.
DBGsimplydoesitdifferent!
Leadership is not about being in charge, Its about taking care of those in your charge.
- Simon Sinek
CRDB Bank Group Transforming Lives Through Financial Literacy
Identifyingthegraveimportanceof
financialinclusionandeconomic empowermentisvitalintoday's hastilychangingworld.Individuals andcommunitiesareincreasingly seekingaccesstovitalfinancial services,suchasbankingandcredit, whicharecrucialfornurturing economicstabilityandgrowth. Innovativeapproachesarebreaking downbarriersandexpandingthe financialsystemtoincludemore people.Theseinitiativesnotonly promoteentrepreneurshipandbroaden accesstoeducationbutalsoequip individualswiththenecessarytools andresourcestosucceed.
Attheforefrontofthismovementis CRDBBankGroup,Tanzania's leadingfinancialservicesprovider
Withacommitmenttofinancial literacy,CRDBBankhaslaunched programslike"ZogoMchongo,"a televisioninitiativeaimedateducating citizensaboutfinancialservicesand opportunities.
Thisprogram,praisedbygovernment officials,isdesignedtocombat ignoranceandpoverty,empowering Tanzanianstoachieveeconomic independenceandcontributeto nationalgrowth.CRDBBank'sefforts extendbeyondeducation.
ThebankhasdevelopedtheCRDB Wakalanetwork,whichallows individualsinbothurbanandrural areastoaccessbankingservices conveniently Thisinnovativeapproach hasmadebankingmoreaccessible,
CRDB Bank operates a responsive strategy to modify its products and services to meet speci c needs
particularlyforunderserved populations,thuspromotingamore inclusivefinancialenvironment.
RecognizedasTanzania'sBestBank forfourconsecutiveyears,CRDB Bank'sachievementsreflectits dedicationtosustainablegrowthand customerserviceexcellence.The bank'sdigitaltransformationstrategy hasenhancedservicedelivery,making iteasierforcustomerstoengagewith financialproductsandservices.
Throughtheseinitiatives,CRDBBank isnotjustafinancialinstitution;itisa catalystforchange,transforminglives andfosteringamoreequitablesociety inTanzania.Asthebankcontinuesto expanditsreachandenhanceits offerings,itremainscommittedtoits missionofdrivingfinancialinclusion andeconomicempowermentforall Tanzanians.
Let's discover their amazing journey!
CampaigningFinancialAddition
AbdulmajidNsekela,GroupCEOand ManagingDirectorofCRDBBank Group,bringsnearly25yearsof experiencetothefinancialsector Drivenbyadeepbeliefinbanking's powertosubstituteforeconomic empowerment,Nsekelahasdedicated hiscareertopromotingfinancial inclusion.
AtCRDBBank,heleadseffortsto deliverinnovative,accessiblefinancial solutionsthatpositivelyimpact individuals,businesses,and communitiesacrossEastAfrica.
FromTransfertoAreaLeadership
CRDBBankGroupwasfoundedin 1996followingtheprivatizationofthe government-ownedCooperativeand RuralDevelopmentBank.Thegoal wastotransformtheinstitutionintoa moreefficient,attentive,and innovativefinancialservicesprovider.
Sinceitsinception,CRDBBankhas growntobecomealeadingfinancial institutioninTanzania,withapresence inthebroaderEasternAfricaregion, includingtheRepublicofBurundiand theDemocraticRepublicoftheCongo (DRC).
Thebank'sjourneyhasbeen characterizedbystrategicexpansions, technologicaladvancements,anda vowtofinancialinclusion.
APioneerinTanzania'sSector
CRDBBankstandsoutasaleaderin Tanzania'sfinancialmarketthroughits technologicalandproductinnovations. ItwasthefirstTanzanianbankto expandinternationally,opening subsidiariesinBurundiin2012andthe DRCin2023.
Withavigorousinfrastructureand extensivedistributionnetwork,CRDB
Bankdeliverstailoredfinancial serviceseventoremoteareas.Its strongcorporategovernanceandrisk managementpracticesupholdhigh standardsofintegrityand accountability
EvolutionandInnovation
CRDBBank'sgrowthandinnovation arefueledbyaclearvisionand strategicinvestmentsintechnologyand humancapital.Thebankconsistently introducesnewproductsandservices tomeettheevolvingneedsofits customers.
Itseffortindigitalbankinghas enhancedconvenienceandefficiency, whileitscommitmenttofinancial inclusionhasextendedservicesto underservedcommunities.Thisblend ofgrowthandinnovationhasreputable CRDBBankasthepreferredfinancial partnerintheregion.
DiverseCustomerSegments
CRDBBankprovidesawidearrayof servicestovariouscustomersegments, includingindividuals,SMEs, corporations,andinstitutions.Its offeringsencompasspersonaland businessbanking,loansandcredit facilities,savingsandinvestment products,insurance,andtreasury services.
Thebankalsofeaturesspecialized productssuchasagribusiness financing,microfinance,andmobile bankingsolutions.Thisdiverse portfolioenablesCRDBBankto effectivelyaddresstheuniquefinancial needsofeachcustomersegment.
NeedsAcrossCustomerSegments
CRDBBankoffersabroadrangeof servicesdesignedforvariouscustomer segments,includingindividuals,
SMEs,corporations,andinstitutions. Itscomprehensiveportfolioincludes personalandbusinessbanking,loans andcreditfacilities,savingsand investmentproducts,insurance,and Treasuryservices.
Additionally,thebankprovides specializedproductslikeagribusiness financing,microfinance,andmobile bankingsolutions.Thisextensiverange allowsCRDBBanktoeffectivelycater totheuniquefinancialneedsofeach segment.
DeliberatePartnerships
CRDBBank'scollaborationswith microfinanceinstitutionsandCRDB Wakalaagentsgreatlyincreaseits reachandimpact,particularlyin underservedandruralareas.These partnershipsallowthebanktoextend itsfinancialservicestocommunities withlimitedaccesstotraditional bankingchannels.
This blend of growth and innovation has reputable CRDB Bank as the preferred nancial partner in the region.
Throughexploitingthenetworksof theseinstitutionsandagents,CRDB Bankoffersessentialservicessuchas savings,loansandmoneytransfers, therebyadvancingfinancialinclusion andeconomicempowermentatthe grassrootslevel.
ResponsiveApproach
CRDBBankoperatesaresponsive strategytomodifyitsproductsand servicestomeetspecificneeds.The bankactivelyengageswithcustomers throughsurveys,feedback mechanisms,anddirectinteractionsto
gatherinsightsintotheirpreferences andrequirements.
Thisinputguidesthedevelopmentand refinementofproductsandservices. Additionally,CRDBBankinvestsin dataanalyticsandmarketresearchto identifytrendsandanticipatefuture needs,ensuringthatitsofferings remaininnovativeandmalleable.
BoostingPerformance
CRDBBank'streasuryservices, includingforeignexchangeand investmentmanagement,helpmanage
liquidity,mitigaterisks,andoptimize returns.Itslendingservicessupportthe growthofSMEsand microentrepreneurswithfundingand technicalsupport.
Theseservicesaugmentprofitability whilereinforcingthebank'svowto financialinclusionandeconomic development.
AmplifyPerformance
CRDBBank'streasuryservices,which includeoverseasexchangeand investmentmanagement,area necessityformanagingliquidity, mitigatingrisks,andoptimizing returns.Thebank'slendingservices contributetothegrowthofSMEsand microentrepreneursbyproviding necessarysubsidiesandtechnical support.Theseservicesboost
profitabilityandunderscoreCRDB Bank'senthusiasmforfinancial inclusionandeconomicdevelopment.
TopModernization
CRDBBankhasintroducedseveral innovativeproductsandservicestothe market.TheSimBankingmobile applicationallowscustomersto conductawiderangeofbanking transactionsviatheirmobilephones, increasingconvenienceand accessibility
Thebankalsooffersspecialized productsforSMEs,includingbusiness loans,advisoryservices,andcapacitybuildingprograms.Additionally,with over25,000CRDBWakalaagents,the bankprovidesanalternative transactionchannel,furtherexpanding itsreachandservicedelivery
RiskManagementStandards
CRDBBankisdedicatedtoadhering tothehigheststandardsofcorporate governanceandriskmanagement.The bankhasestablishedacomprehensive governanceoutlinefeaturingrobust internalcontrols,policies,and procedurestocertifycompliancewith regulatoryrequirementsandindustry bestpractices.
TheBoardofDirectorsprovides strategicoversight,whilethededicated riskmanagementdepartment continuouslymonitorsandassesses risks.Additionally,CRDBBank investsinregulartrainingand developmentprogramstomakesure thatemployeesarewell-equippedto maintainthesestandards.
How Investment Differ Across Global Markets
Investmentbankingisanintermediarybetweencapital
seekersandinvestorsinaglobalfinancialcontext. Investmentbankshavedifferentstrategiesusedbased onthevariouseconomicandpoliticalcircumstances surroundingeachinternationalmarketplace,thecultures, andmanymore.Withknowledgeofthedifferencesthat distinguishinternationalmarketplaces,aninvestmentbank thereforeneedstobewellawareofinternationalfinance andtobesuccessful.
GlobalEconomicInfluences
Thestateoftheglobaleconomyisoneofthemost importantinputsintoinvestmentbankingstrategies. Economicgrowthusuallyleadstoariseindemandforall typesofservicesthatinvestmentbankersoffer,which includeM&A,fundraising,andadvisoryservices.
Forinstance,astheireconomiesgrow,companiesusually liketoexpandandexplorenewterritories,thusleavingthe investmentbanktohelpconductthesetransactions.The globalinvestmentbankingmarket,accordingtoprojections, issupposedtohitimportantgrowthfiguresinthecoming yearsbecauseofincreasingGDPandimprovingbusiness confidence2.
Conversely,economicrecessionreducesactivityin investmentbanking.CompaniesmayopposeM&Aand raisingcapitalatrecessionsandeconomiccriseswhere outlooksremaindubious.Aninvestmentbankmayhaveto revisititsstrategiesthatbestfitalessriskyre-structuring, therebyassistingitsclientsindealingwiththetroubled financialtimes.
RegulatoryEnvironments
Regulatoryframeworksareverydifferentbetweenregions andcanplayasignificantroleinhowinvestmentbanks operate.InNorthAmericaandEurope,forexample,there arequitestrictregulations,whichwereimposedafterthe lastfinancialcrises.Theseregulationsentailcapital requirementsandoperationalpractices,whichbanksmust achievetoensurestabilityandprotectinvestors.Investment banksintheseregionsofteninvestalotincomplianceand riskmanagementsystemstomeettheserequirements.
Ontheotherhand,theemergingmarketshaverelatively morerelaxedregulatoryenvironmentsthatprovideunique investmentopportunitiesforinvestmentbanks.For example,intheAsia-Pacificregions,rapideconomic growthtendstooutstripthedevelopmentofregulation,thus providinginvestmentbankswiththeopportunitytofreely engageininnovativefinancialproductsandservices. However,thislackofregulationalsoposesrisksbecauseit canleadtovolatilityandevenmarketmanipulation.
CulturalConsiderations
Culturalfactorsalsodeterminetheinvestmentbanking strategiesacrossdifferentmarkets.InmostWestern countries,transparencyandaccountabilitytakecenterstage. Investmentbankstypicallyemphasizeclearcommunication withclientsandstakeholders,whichcreatestrustthrough opendialogueregardingrisksandopportunities.
Contrarily,inotherAsianmarkets,theculturecouldbe moreinclinedtorelationshipsratherthanformalities.Here, one'spersonalconnectionisimportantintheconductof business.Theinvestmentbanksherehavetotaketimeto spendonrelationshipbuildingbeforeenteringanyformal negotiationoreventransaction.Thereisaneedto understandlocalcustomsandthewaybusinessisconducted inthismarket.
TechnologicalAdvancements
Theriseoftechnologyhastransformedthelandscapeof investmentbankingglobally.Investmentbanksincreasingly useadvancedtechnologieslikeartificialintelligence(AI) andmachinelearningintheiroperationstoenhancetheir offerings.Thesetechnologiesallowforefficientdata analysis,riskassessment,andclientservicedelivery.
Indevelopedmarkets,suchasNorthAmericaandEurope, investmentbanksarepioneersintheadoptionofthese technologiesforthestreamliningofprocessesand
improvingdecision-makingcapabilities.TheyareusingAIdrivenplatformsineverythingfromtradingalgorithmsto customerrelationshipmanagementsystems.
Whilethisishappening,developingmarketsareslowly embracingthesametechnologybutfacechallengesof infrastructureandaccess.Aninvestmentbankwouldneed tofindnewwaysaroundthesameissuesasittriestoreach themarketswithoutcompromisingitsfront-endservices.
MarketVolatility
Themarketvolatilitydiffersfromoneregiontoanother.In NorthAmericaandEurope,maturemarketsusually experiencemorevolatilefluctuationsaspromptedbythe changesinmacroeconomicsorevengeopolitical happenings.Theserisksarehighlymitigatedhereby employingsomeoftheriskmanagementtechniquesonthe portfolio,whichaninvestmentbankadoptsinitspractices.
Forinstance,thepoliticalinstabilityoreconomicreforms areknowntoincreasethelocalizedvolatilityinemerging markets.Assuch,investmentbanksarerequiredtobeagile andresponsive,especiallychangingthestrategiesrapidly basedonchangingconditions.
Conclusion
Investmentbankingisnotaone-size-fits-allindustry;it requiresaverynuancedunderstandingofvariousglobal factorsthatinfluenceitsoperations.Eachmarket,withits uniquechallengesandopportunities,hasdifferenteconomic conditions,regulatoryframeworks,culturalconsiderations, andtechnologicaladvancements.
Asglobalizationcontinuestoshapethefinanciallandscape, investmentbanksmustadaptandinnovatetostayaheadof thecurve.Understandingtheuniquenessofeachmarket theyoperateinallowsthemtotailorstrategiestomeet clientneedsandcapitalizeonemergingtrends.
Investmentbankingisgoingtothrivedespiteuncertaintyas longasflexibilityandtechnologyblendwellwithvery goodclientrelations.Putsimply,globalmarketsdeciding thefactorsatplaydeterminesuccessfulinvestmentbanking.
I&M Group PLC
Permitting Financial Futures as a Trusted Financial Partner
Inthespeedilyprogressingglobal
economy,theroleofatrusted financialpartnerhasbecome crucial.Thesepartnersoffertailored solutionsthataddresstheuniquegoals ofindividualsandbusinesses, encompassingbothbasicbankingand investmentservices.
Theyprovideaccesstowide-ranging financialsolutionsandguidecustomers astheynavigatefinancialcomplexities, growtheirwealthandenhancetheir financialresilience.I&MGroupPLC RegionalCEOKiharaMaina overseestheEastAfricanBanking Group'soperationsacrossKenya, Mauritius,Tanzania,Rwandaand Uganda.
HedrivestheGroup'scorporate strategywithafocusonsustainability, technologicalinnovationandculture changeintheprovisionofrelevant productsandservicestodifferent customersegments.
Let us learn more about his journey:
ADistinguishedCareerinBanking
Kiharaisaseasonedbankerwith30 yearsofexperienceinthefinancial sector.HeheldvariousTreasuryroles beforeservingasManagingDirectorof BarclaysTanzaniaforsevenyears.In 2016,hebecameCEOofI&MBank Kenya,wherehesuccessfully
implementedtheiMarastrategy, elevatingthebanktoTier1status.In January2023,hewasappointed RegionalCEOofI&MGroupPLC.
MainaservesontheboardsofI&M GroupPLC,I&MBankRwandaPLC, I&MBankUganda,I&MBank Tanzania,BankOneLimited,andThe EastAfricanBondExchange(EABX). HeisalsoaTrusteeoftheAlliance HighSchoolEndowmentFundTrust.
Outsideofwork,heisadevoted husbandandfatheroftwo,aswellasa golfenthusiast.Hisbankingcareer beganatMoiUniversity,wherehis mathematicsdegreeandinterestin computerscienceledhimtoa ManagementTraineeProgramme, launchinghissuccessfulcareer
OverviewofI&MGroupPLC
I&MGroupPLChasastrongpresence intheKenyanmarket,providing banking,insurance,andrealestate services.Itoffersarangeoffinancial services,includingCorporate& InstitutionalBanking,Personal& BusinessBanking,Bancassurance, WealthManagement,andAdvisory servicesacrossfivecountries:Kenya, Uganda,Tanzania,Rwanda,and Mauritius.
Foundedin1974,I&MBankevolved fromafinancialservicescompanyinto acommercialbankandisnowa
whollyownedsubsidiaryofI&M GroupPLC,whichislistedonthe NairobiSecuritiesExchange(NSE).
TheGroupisregulatedbytheCentral BankofKenya,theCapitalMarkets AuthorityofKenya,andtheNairobi SecuritiesExchange.ItsRwandan subsidiary,I&MBankRwandaPLC,is alsolistedontheRwandaStock Exchange,enhancingtheGroup’s regionalpresence.
ACaseStudyonKihara'sVision
UnderKihara'sleadership,I&MGroup PLC.haspursuedatransformative strategydubbediMara(Swahilifor strong).TheiMaraStrategywas designedtobedeliveredacrossthree horizonsinthree-yearcycles.The initialphaseestablishedastrong foundation,focusingonre-platforming anddigitalenhancements,likewise refiningtheGroupOperatingModel. TheseeffortsachievedTier1statusin Kenya,increasedmarketsharein TanzaniaandRwanda,andcontributed 89%ofprofitbeforetaxfromI&M BankKenyawhileelevatingthe organization’sHealthIndexranking.
In2020,theGrouppivotedtowards diversification,emphasizingvalue propositionboosts,increasingshareof wallet,andadaptingdigitalstrategies tomeetchangingcustomerneeds. Currently,thefocusisonsolidifying
Under Kihara's leadership, I&M Group PLC. has pursued a transformative iMara strategy centered on three key horizons
Kihara Maina Regional CEO, I&M Group PLC
leadershipinprioritysegmentsand expandingintoemergingmarkets.In theprimarymarketofKenyafor example,thebankingentityI&MBank Limitedhaslaunchedaward-winning propositionsforMSMEs,strengthened fintechpartnerships,andembarkedon anambitiousbranchexpansionstrategy with20newbranchessettoopenby thecloseof2024.
IncreasingFinanceandOperations
Underhisheadship,I&MBankLtd. hasconfirmedsignificantTrade FinanceandTreasurylimitswithtop internationalcounterpartiesforLetter ofCredit(LC)confirmationsand MoneyMarketactivities.Whenits subsidiarybanksfacecapital constraints,I&MBankKenya’sstrong balancesheetsupportsthemthrough re-issuance,ensuringcontinuedTrade Financeoperations.
Thebankhasforgedlasting partnershipswithglobalbanks, includingJPMorgan,CitiGroup, CommerzBank,StandardChartered Plc,andtheInternationalFinance Corporation(IFC),expandingits internationaltradenetwork.Asan issuingbankundertheGlobalTrade FinanceProgram(GTFP),I&MBank Ltd.enhancesitsabilitytoprovide tradefinancing,withIFCguarantees mitigatingpaymentrisksforvarious tradetransactions.
TofacilitatepaymentsandTreasury operations,I&MBankLtd.leveragesa networkoftopglobalbanks,ensuring accesstomajorfinancialmarketsfor real-timeoperations.Additionally, thoughI&MCapitalLimitedandBank OneMauritius,theGroupoffers customersaccesstointernational investmentmarketsanddiversified wealthmanagementsolutions.
InnovativeFinancialSolutions
KiharaofI&MBankLtd.underlines thebank'sdedicationtounique
financialsolutionsinKenyaand beyond.Notably,I&MBankisthe onlyinstitutioninKenyaofferingfree BanktoMobileWallettransactions, providingsubstantialdailysavingsfor customers,witharecentextensionof theofferingtotheTanzanianmarket.
Thebankalsofeaturesthelargest unsecuredpersonalloanofferingin Kenyaandhasreceivedpositive feedbackforitsdigitallending products.In2013,I&MBankwasthe firstBankintheregiontointroducethe MastercardMulticurrencyPrepaid Card,aidingtravelerstoholdGBP, EUR,andUSD,thusavoiding currencyconversionfees.
In2017,Kiharalaunchedthefirst GermanDeskinAfricafortailored financingservicesforGermanSMEsin Kenya,aChineseDesktoaddressthe growingChinesetradecorridorwould soonfollow.I&MBankisalsounique inissuingLettersofCredit(LCs)with two-yearterms,reinforcingits leadershipininnovativebanking solutions.
AnOverviewoftheGroup'sRisk& ComplianceStrategy
I&Mhasdeterminedacomprehensive GroupMinimumStandards ComplianceFrameworkthataligns withglobalregulatorystandards.The bankmaintainsregularengagement withregionalregulatorstosafeguard transparencyandadherenceto compliancerequirements.
Robustinternalauditsareconducted alongsidetheutilizationofadvanced compliancetechnologyforeffective monitoringandreporting.Ongoing trainingprogramsforstafffurther developthebank'scomplianceculture.
Additionally,third-partyauditsare carriedouttoverifyadherenceto regulations,confirmingthatI&MBank Ltd.operatesconsistentlyinlinewith bothinternationalandlocalregulations acrossalljurisdictions.
StrengtheningResilience
Kiharahasbeeninstrumentalin strengtheningtheGroup'sESGrisk managementposition,thereby facilitatingthecompany’sresilience andsustainablegrowth.
Initiativesincludeproviding comprehensivecomplianceguidelines andongoingsupportforallfacilities utilizedbyTheGroupandmakingsure thatsustainablepracticesareintegrated intotheiroperations.
EnhancingDigitalBanking
In2019asCEOofI&MBankKenya, Kiharaoversawtheformalisationof theBank'sdigitalinnovationhub iCubefocusedoncustomer-centricand future-readydigitalbankingsolutions. iCubehasdevelopedinitiativesto improvecustomerexperience,suchas hastydigitalaccountopeningand machinelearningapplicationsfor advanceddataanalyticsandpredictive modeling,enablingpersonalized bankingsolutions.
TosuccessfullyflightiCube,Kihara prioritisedbuildinganagileworkforce byrecruitingadiverseteamand embarkingonaculturetransformation programmethatwouldfacilitatea paradigmshiftinternallytodrivethe pushforinnovation.
In2021,I&MBankpartneredwith BackbasetolaunchI&MOntheGo (OTG),adisruptiveomnichannel bankingplatform.Thissolutionallows individualandbusinesscustomersto accessbankingservicesinrealtime acrossvariouschannels,makingI&M thefirstbankintheregiontoadoptthis technology
Withover2millionmonthly transactionsonOTGinKenyaalone, theGroupisleadingthechargein catalysingthedigitalbanking landscape,shapingthefutureofthe digitaleconomy.AsofJune2024,82%
ofI&MBankLtd.’scustomerswere digitallyactive,markinga4%increase fromthepreviousyearand demonstratingthatdigitizationiskey tothebank’sbrandrelevanceand customergrowth.
Thebankhasintroducedinnovative digitalfinancialsolutionslikethe award-nominated‘NiSareKabisa’for freebank-to-mobilewallettransfers andthecountry’slargestunsecured personalloanproduct.With approximately77.3millionregistered mobilemoneyaccountsinKenyaby December2023,thereachofNiSare Kabisaissignificant.
I&MBankhasalsoenhanceditsdigital loanofferings,providingshort-term loans,salaryadvances,overdrafts,and long-termloans.Self-serviceoptions nowallowcustomerstoopenaccounts, applyforloans,andthenmanage paymentsonline.
Dataanalyticsfromdigitalchannels continuestoinformproduct development,enablingI&MBankto offerpersonalizedbankingservicesand proactivecustomersupport.
StrategicTreasuryManagement
I&MGroupPLCseestoitthatwhen itssubsidiariesborrowForeign Currency(FCY)foron-lendingto customers.Thebankseestoitthat whenitssubsidiariesborrowFCYfor on-lending,thebeneficiariesgenerate revenueinthesamecurrency, effectivelyminimizingexposureto foreignexchange(FX)risk.Overthe years,I&MGroupPLC.has successfullysecuredFCYfacilities fromesteemedinstitutionssuchas Proparco,DEG,FMO,IFC, ResponsibilityAG,andtheEuropean InvestmentBank,allofwhichhave beenfullypaid.
I&MGroupPLC.employsarobust riskmanagementframeworkwhen disbursinganyFCYfacility.Customers arerequiredtoprovideevidenceof
adequateincomeinFCYtofurther mitigateFXrisk.
Aswell,I&MGroupPLC.utilizes industry-leadinghedgingstrategies whenissuingtradefacilities,including LettersofCredit(LC)andStandby LettersofCredit(SBLC),tosupport workingcapitalneedsandother customerrequirements.
I&MGroupPLCWelcomesNew ShareholdertoDriveGrowth& MSMELending
In2024I&MGroupPLCwelcomed EastAfricanGrowthHoldings (EAGH)asashareholder Thegroup recognizesEAGH'scommitmentto Sub-SaharanAfricaasasourceof confidenceinmaintainingits momentumandadvancingfinancial inclusionwithinitsoperational markets.
ThisdevelopmentalignswithI&M GroupPLC'sstrategicgoalof becomingtheleadingfinancialpartner forgrowthintheregion.Withthis development,thebankanticipates receivingenhancedtechnicaland financialsupporttofurtherbuildonthe progressachievedundertheir predecessor.
LeadingthePackinInformation Security
InAugust2024,I&MGroupPLC's subsidiaries—I&MBankKenya,I&M BankRwandaPLC,andI&MBank TanzaniaLimited—becamethefirstin EastAfricatoachievetheISO/IEC 27001:2022certificationfor InformationSecurityManagement Systems(ISMS).Thiscertification, awardedbytheBritishStandards Institution(BSI),highpointsthe group'sdedicationtotop-tier informationsecurity
TheGroupprioritizestheprotectionof customerdataandintellectualproperty, implementingmeasureslikemultifactorauthenticationandreal-time
frauddetection.I&MBankKenya excelledinPhysicalSecurityand BusinessContinuityManagement, whileI&MBankTanzaniascored highlyinInformation&Cyber Security.
I&MBankRwandaachievedtop scoresinDataCentremanagement, ProcurementandHumanResources. Additionally,I&MBankUgandahas begunitscertificationauditprocess, reinforcingthegroup'sdedicationto safeguardingcustomerprivacyand operationalintegrity.
ALegacyofCustomerService Excellence
Inits50-yearhistory,I&MGroupPLC hasemployedavarietyofassessment toolstosafeguardoptimalcustomer satisfactionandoperationalsuccess. Thebankcloselymonitorstransaction successratesthroughreal-time dashboards,utilizesmediamonitoring toolstogaugeonlinesentiment,and gathersfeedbackfromitscustomer servicecenters.
Also,arobustRelationship Managementreportingstructureisin place,complementedbyregular stakeholderengagementeventsfor bothinternalandexternalcustomers. TheGroupalsoconductssurveysto measureitsNetPromoterScore(NPS) andCustomerSatisfactionScore, whichcurrentlystandatanimpressive 75%and95%,respectively, significantlyexceedingindustry standards.
Chose Modise Chief Execu ve Officer Stanbic Bank
Botswana
Thechallengeofencouragingeconomicgrowthin
Botswanahaslongbeenasignificantconcern, particularlyinadomainwherefinancialinclusion andsustainablepracticesareparamount.StanbicBank Botswana,amemberofthe Standard Bank Group,has risentothischallengesinceitsinception32yearsago.With acommitmenttocreatingvalueforitscustomers,thebank hasestablisheditselfasakeyplayerinthefinancialsector
AtthehelmofthistransformativejourneyisChose Modise,theChiefExecutiveOfficerofStanbicBank Botswana.Underhisleadership,thebankhasnotonly becomethethird-largestcommercialbankbyprofitability butalsoamarketleaderinCorporateandInvestment Banking.Modise’svisionemphasizesthatbankingshould extendbeyondmeretransactions;itshouldempower individualsandbusinessesalike. “Our mission is to create lasting value for our clients and communities,” hestates, reflectingthebank'scorephilosophy.
StanbicBankBotswana’sapproachisholistic,cateringtoa diverseclientelethatincludescorporates,SMEs,andretail clients.Thebank’s630dedicatedstaffmembersacross13 branchesembodythisethos,workingtirelesslytoensure thateveryinteractionisrootedinvaluecreation.This commitmentisevidentintheirsustainablepractices,which prioritizecommunitywelfareandeconomicgrowth.
AsBotswananavigatesitseconomicchallenges,Stanbic Bankremainsresoluteinitsambitiontocontribute positivelytothecountry’sdevelopment.Withinnovative bankingsolutionsandadeepunderstandingoflocalneeds, Modiseandhisteamarenotjustrespondingtothedemands
oftoday;theyarelayingthegroundworkforaprosperous future.Indoingso,theyexemplifyhowfinancial institutionscanbepowerfulagentsofchangeinsociety.
Canyoupleaseintroduceyourselfandyourmotivation toembarkonthissector?
IamincrediblyprivilegedandhonouredtoleadStanbic BankBotswanawhichformspartofadiverseanddynamic familyofprofessionals,andthisisnotaresponsibilityI takelightly,supportedbyanexceptionalcadreof executivescomprisingourCountryLeadershipCommittee, andindeed630talentedstaffacrossBotswana.
OurpassionatStanbicBankisunwavering,andthisis somethingtobeenormouslyproudof.Together,weaimto establishtheBankasnotonlyatrustedpartnerinthe financialservicesindustrybutalsoasaleadingforcein shapingthefutureofbankinglocally. Botswana is our home; we drive her growth.
MyjourneywiththebankstartedinJanuary2022asthe ChiefFinanceOfficer AstheChiefFinancialOfficer (CFO),Ihadtheprivilegeofgainingcomprehensive insightsintothebank'soperations,financialstrategies,and brandpositioning.Thisroleallowedmetodeeply understandtheorganisation'scorevalues,itsapproachto fosteringclienttrust,andtheintricaciesofaligning financialperformancewithbrandreputationandmarket presence.Ihadtheprivilegetoworkacross12African countriesinsectorssuchasFMCG,hotels,banking,and insurance.IamamemberofboththeAssociationof CharteredCertifiedAccountants(ACCA)andtheBotswana
InstituteofCharteredAccountants(BICA).)However,itis morethanwhatisonaresumeandlessabout“me”or“I.” Itismyprofoundbeliefinthepowerofleadershipto inspireexcellenceanddrivethecultureofgrowthand performanceatbothpersonalandteamlevel.
HowdoesStanbicBankBotswanaleverageits membershipintheStandardBankGrouptoprovide valuetoitsclients?
WearefortunatetobepartofthebiggestbankinAfrica, StandardBankGroup(operatingin20AfricanMarkets), celebratinganimpressivehistoryofmorethan162yearsof operationinAfrica.Aspartofthegroup,wehaveaccessto resourcesincludingStandardBankglobalexpertise, experiencefromothermarketsandskillsacrossourbanking solutions.
Forexample,wecontinuouslyleveragethedepthof expertiseandcapabilitiesacrosstheStandardBankGroup, supportingourownBotswanatalenttocreatemeaningful andsustainablevalueforBatswanathroughour secondmentsprogramme.Itiswhatallowsandenables ustomakeadifferenceforourpeople,andthisis somethingIamincrediblyproudtobeapartof.
Wefurtherleveragetheglobalexpertiseofthe Grouptoofferinnovativebankingsolutionstoour clientstoenhanceservicedelivery,includingthe StanbicApp,whichenablesclientstoaccess bankingservicesfromtheirsmartphoneseasily. Thisapplicationincorporatesthemostrecent globalfintechadvancements,includingreal-time transactionalerts,effortlessfundtransfers,and immediateaccountmanagement.
We have been fortunate in this space to also earn global recognition in 2024, the Global Banking & Finance Awards for Best Corporate Bank, Best Investment Bank, and Best Trade Finance Bank in Botswana, alongside the Best Bank for Sustainable Development Botswana 2024. We have also been named the Botswana's Best Bank for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) by Euromoney. This is in part building on the exceptional work of our team in Botswana, as well as through leveraging Standard Bank Group. Standard Bank Group has been recognised by Forbes as one of the Top 20 World's Best Employers, an incredible feat we are so proud of.
“
We con nuously leverage the depth of exper se and capabili es across the Standard Bank Group, suppor ng our own Botswana talent to create meaningful and sustainable value for Batswana through our secondments programme. It is what allows and enables us to make a difference for our people, and this is something I am incredibly proud to be a part of.
“
WhatstepsdoesStanbicBanktaketoensurea progressiveandmeaningfulbankingexperienceforits clientsandstakeholders?
Wewanthappystaff,happycustomersandthriving communities.Ifwecandeliverthis,Ithinkwecanbeproud thatwearecontributingtoBotswana’sgrowth.
Whatdoesthismean?Itmeanswearealwayssolvingfor ourcustomers’needsandputtingtheirexperienceatthe fore,offeringamodernandvaluablebankingexperienceby embracinginnovationandonsolutionsthatprioritisethe needsofourcustomers.
Weconstantlyinvestinadvancedtechnologiesanddigital platformstomakebankingprocessesmoreefficientand improveaccessibility,supportedofcoursebytheright peopletochampionthis.Ourvalues,ourstrategyandour talentmakeforanincredibleforcetoconfidentlysayweare partneringwithBotswanaanddrivinghergrowth.
HowdoesStanbicBank'sCorporateandInvestment Banking(CIB)segmentdelivercomprehensivesolutions toawiderangeofclientrequirements?
Weareproudtobealeaderinthisspace,withaproven trackrecordoftangibleresultsforthebusinessandour clients.
OurCorporateandInvestmentBanking(CIB)segment offersasuiteofsolutionstailoredspecificallyforlarge corporationsandmultinationalclients.Bycombiningindepthindustryknowledgewithastrategicunderstandingof complexfinancialneeds,ourCIBdivisiondelivers customisedservicesdesignedtomeettheunique requirementsofeachclient.
Thisincludestailoredfinancingsolutions,strategicadvisory onmergersandacquisitions,andsophisticatedinvestment strategiesthatalignwiththeircorporategoalsand operationalchallengesacrosskeyportfolios.Weare constantlyintrospecting,innovatingandleveringour insightsandexpertisetoenhancehowwegrowourclients anddeepentheimpactwehelpdeliverforthemandwith them.
Havingamongsttheverybesttalentinmarketisjustone partofthat,forwealsothenreachintoourextensiveGroup networkanddepthofcapabilitywhilststillprovidingan authenticandpersonalengagementwithourCIBclients.It isthroughthisapproachthatwehavesupportedsuch momentoustransactionswithclientssuchasVunani, WildernessandNorsad.
Whileclientsatisfactionisamoreimportantmetricforus thanawards,wearenonethelessprivilegedtohavewon suchaccoladesovertheyearsthroughCIBasBestTrade FinanceBank,BestESGBank,andanumberofother accoladesfromGlobalFinance,EuroMoneyandthe AfricanBankerAwards.
WhatroledoesinnovationplayinStanbicBank's Personal&PrivateBanking(PBB)divisiontomeet evolvingcustomerneeds?
InnovationiskeyacrosstheBankasawholeandisdeeply entrenchedinhowwecreatevalueforourcustomersacross allsegmentsandportfolios,supportedbyaferventdesireto alwaysensureexceptionalcustomerexperiencesaswe worktocreatevalueforthem.Wearepassionateaboutour customers,andthisdrivesustodeliveronourmandate.
Weworktoenhancecustomerexperiencesthroughtailored, innovativesolutions.Bycontinuouslyintegratingadvanced technologies,suchasmobileappsandonlineplatforms,the bankprovidesintuitiveandsecurebankingoptionsthat catertoevolvingcustomerneeds.
Thefocusontechnologicaladvancementensuresthatboth personalandprivatecustomershaveaccesstoefficientand flexibleservicesthatadapttotheirchanginglifestyles.It alsohelpsusempowerourcustomers(andevenourown staff)tomanagetheirfinancialjourneyswithgreaterease andconfidenceandthecomfortandconfidencethatwe supportthemateveryturn.
“
We want happy staff, happy customers and thriving communi es. If we can deliver this, I think we can be proud that we are contribu ng to Botswana’s growth.
“
HowdoesStanbicBank'sextensivebranchandATM networkinBotswanacontributetoitscompetitive advantage?
Clientconvenienceandaccesstobankingsolutionsisa corecomponentofourbusinessmodelwhichincludesour ATMnetworkandbranches. Weoperate13strategically locatedbranchesacrossthecountryandwellas79ATMs andPointofSaledevicestogiveourclientstheopportunity totransact24/7.
WhatstrategiesdoesStanbicBankemploytostayatthe forefrontoffinancialservicestechnologyand digitalization?
AtStanbicBank,weprioritiseinnovationbycontinuously investinginresearchanddevelopmentandforming strategicpartnerships,includingthosewithtechnology providersandSMEsthroughCEEP.Bycollaboratingand stayingengagedwithourcustomers,weensureourdigital solutionsarebothrelevantandimpactful.
KeyinitiativeslikeUnayo,ourdigitalbankingplatform; Shyft,forseamlessforeignexchangeandinternational transactions;andDigitalLending,whichoffersunsecured loansthroughdigitalchannels,exemplifyourcommitment todeliveringcutting-edgefinancialservicesthatmeetour customers'evolvingneeds.Ourstaffcanbeproudthatthey empowercustomerswithprogress,andourcustomerscan beconfidentwewillalwayshavetheirinterestsatheart.
WhatinitiativesdoesStanbicBankhaveinplaceto supportthegrowthanddevelopmentofsmalland mediumenterprisesinBotswana?
WesupportandempowerSMEgrowthforwerecognisethe gravitasofthissectoringrowingoureconomy,thussince inception,wehaveaidedmanycustomersandclientsto growtheirbusinesses.Someoftheinitiativesinclude.
• AfricaChinaAgentProposition(ACAP)–launched in2022,thisaimstoassistBotswana’simporters sourceandvalidatequalitygoods,safelyand efficiently,fromthemostcompetitivesuppliersin China.
• AccelerateEmpowermentProcurement(AEP)-is aflagshipassetofStanbicBankBotswana,launched in2019anddrivestheSocial,Economicand Environment(SEE).Itwassetupwiththeviewto createsharedvalueandaddressyouthemployability andentrepreneurshipthroughacollaborativemodel thatinvolvestheaffectedtoberoleplayersintryingto findsolutionsforthesetwoissues.Thisinitiative makesiteasierforlocalyouthand/orwomen-owned enterprisestosupplytheirgoodsandservicestothe bank.Aspartofgrowingsmallmediumenterprises, wehadsetourselvesatargetofP12millionfor2023. WesurpassedittoreachtransactionalspendofP13.4 millionfortheyearunderreview
• CEEP - Stanbicisactivelyexpandingitseffortsunder CEEP,demonstratingagrowingawarenessofthe connectionbetweeneconomicactivitiesand environmentalwell-being.Ourrecentinitiativeshave involvedformingpartnershipswithTokalafa, Wilderness,Debswana,andseveralother organisations.TheBank'sdedicationisclearthrough itsstrategicinvestmentsingreentechnologiesand sustainableinfrastructure.
Theseinclude:
- StanbicBankBotswanasponsoredthe2024 OkavangoWildernessSafarisLocalSupplierExpo withacontributionofBWP150,000.00.This sponsorshipsupportedlogisticsfornearly120 localenterprisesparticipatingintheExpo. Additionally,itprovidedsignificantvalueto citizen-ownedbusinessesinthetourismand hospitalitysectorsbyhelpingthemaccessthe Wildernessprocurementecosystem.
TheExpoalignswiththeBank'sAccelerate Incubator,whichchampionsCitizenEconomic EmpowermentandtheCitizenEconomic EmpowermentProgramme(CEEP),by encouraginglocal,citizen-ownedsuppliersto showcasetheirproductsandservicesforpotential partnershipswithWildernesscampsinBotswana.
- The sponsorship from Stanbic Bank of BWP 1 million to the Tokafala Development Programme is aimed at supporting the growth of small and growing business in Botswana. It aims to address the challenges that entrepreneurs often encounter in the country. The services provided by Tokafala have benefitted over 215 Small and Medium Enterprises, offering valuable advice and mentorship to entrepreneurs. This support has enabled them to enhance their business, financial management, and marketing skills, ultimately leading to the establishment of successful and sustainablebusinesses.
WhyCross-Border Transactions Present Unique Challenges for Investment Banks
Cross-bordertransactionsareanintegralpartof
internationaltrade,enablingbusinessesandindividuals toengageintrade,investment,andremittancesacross nationalborders.However,thesetransactionsalsopresentsome uniquechallengesthatinvestmentbankshavetonavigate. Understandingthesechallengesiscriticalforfinancial institutionslookingtoimprovetheirservicesandremain competitiveintheinternationalmarket.
RegulatoryComplexity
Probably,themostdifficultchallengethatcomesalongwith cross-bordertransactionsisregulatorycomplexity Thelawsand regulationsofdifferentcountriesassociatedwithconductinga financialtransactionoftenhavealotofdifferences.Itbecomes necessaryforinvestmentbankstobeinstrictadherencetothe lawsandregulationsoftheircustomers'countriestoavoid penaltiesandlossofreputation.Moreso,ruleschangebecauseof thedynamicinvolvedintransitingtechnology,marketcondition, andsocialexpectations.
Thebestwayforbankstodealwiththisregulatorylandscapeis toheavilyinvestincomplianceinfrastructure.Thisincludes hiringspecializedstaff,implementingadvancedcompliance technologies,andestablishingrobustinternalcontrols.Noncompliancewillresultinthemostseverepenalties,suchasfines andlegalrepercussions.
TechnologicalChallenges
Thetechnologicalinfrastructureofmanyinvestmentbankscan beanobstacleaswellinefficientlydoingcross-border transactions.Manyofthesystemsusedareveryoldandcannot beadaptedintoflexiblesystems,whichdonotsupportthespeeds andefficienciesmodernfinancialtransactionsrequire.Thesewill bringaboutdelaysinprocessingtimes,whichwillautomatically translatetomoreoperationalcosts.
Ofgreatersignificanceisthatitrequiressignificant innovationeffortsintraditionalbankingbyembracing newertechnologies,forinstance,blockchainorreal-time paymentsystems.Mostpromisingforthemtoachievean accelerationinspeedoftransactioncoupledwithreduction ofcosts.Allthesedocallforquitesubstantialinvestments, whilenewworkingculturesmustalsocomeabout.Their hesitationoverchangeiswheretheirbankshave comparativedisadvantagesincemostfintechentitiesare relativelynimbleintakingstepstomodernizetheir structures.
CurrencyFluctuations
Anotheraspectthatlinkedcross-bordertransactionswith challengesisthefluctuationsofcurrency.Businesses involvedininternationaltradeorinvestmentoftenhave risksassociatedwithchangesinexchangerates.Thedrastic depreciationofacurrencycanevenimpactthevalueofa transaction,forcingbusinessesintounexpectedlosses.
Inmitigatingalltheserisks,investmentbankswillhaveto bestrategic.Therearehedgingtechniquesthatwillbeused andotherproductsmeanttoprotecttheirclientsfromthese risksofvolatilecurrencies.Itis,however,complex strategieswhichmaynotatallbeaccessedbysmall-scale businessesorsingleinvestors.
RiskofFraudandInsecurity
Cross-bordertransactionsincreasetheriskoffraudbecause oftheinvolvementofseveralpartiesindifferent jurisdictions.Thereisapossibilitythatthefraudstercan exploitsomeweaknessinthesystem,sobanksmusttake propersecuritymeasures.Advancedtechnologiesmustbe investedinbyinvestmentbanksforthepreventionoffraud andtoprotectsensitivedataduringcommunicationthrough propersecurityprotocols.
Thelawsassociatedwithdataprivacyalsoaddyetanother dimension.Financialinstitutionsshouldbeawareofthe differentregulationsondataprotectionfromonecountryto anotherwhilehandlingcustomerdatasothatnothinggoes againstthoseregulations.
DifferencesinCulturalPractices
Culturaldifferencesarealsopredominantlyfoundincrossbordertransactions.Differentbusinessculturesandwaysof communicatingmaycauseagapbetweenthem.Thismakes investmentbanksmorevigilantaboutculturaldifferences whiledealingsothatsuchcommunicationgapwillnot affectdealsanddamagerelationships.
Ithasalwaysbeenimportantthatgloballyoperatingbanks makestafftrainingregardingculturalsensitivityand effectivecommunicationskills.Thisbuildsabetterchance forbankstodeliverservicesfromacross-border perspective.
PossibleRemedialMeasures
Againstthesechallenges,investmentbankshavebecome veryopentoinnovativesolutionsasameansofpromoting efficiencyandclarityincross-bordertransactions. Technology,suchasartificialintelligence,canbetappedto makecomplianceeasierbyhelpingautomateroutinetasks andenablereal-timemonitoring.
Collaborationwithfintechcompaniesmayfurtheropenthe avenuefortraditionalbankstouseleading-edgesolutionsto acceleratetransactionspeedsandcutcosts.Agiletechfirms, byworkingincloseassociationwithinvestmentbanks,may enablethelattertoprovideimprovedserviceswithout violatingthesetregulations.
Investmentbanksshouldbeabletomaintainflexibilityby developingclient-tailoredflexiblepaymentsolutions. Flexibilityinpaymentsolutionswillhelpbanks accommodatevariouspaymentmethodsandcurrencies, therebymakingtransactionsasmootherprocessand increasingclientsatisfaction.
Conclusion
Globalcross-bordertransactionsformanessentialpartof alltheeconomicactivitiestakingplaceglobally kindofspecialchallengesthattheinvestmentbanks encounter.Theinstitutionsfacechallenges,including complexregulatoryenvironments,technology-related limitations,andfraudrisks,forwhichthefinancial institutionshavetobeproactive.Withinnovations, investmentintechnology,andbuildingcultural understandingswithinteams,investmentbankscan overcomeallsuchchallengestositatthetoprungofthe globalmarketleaders.
Therewillalwaysbeaneedtosustainthepaceof competitiontostayaheadofemergingtrendsinthis interconnectedworld.Hence,theinvestmentbanksmust makeefficiency,transparency,andsecurityatthe transactionboundariescomplementarytoeachotherto ensureclientsatisfactionwhilesupportingsignificantlyin thegrowthofinternationalcommerce.
Global Subscription
How Technology is Shaping the Next Generation of Financial Services!
Aseconomiesexpandanddiversify,thedemandfor
accessibleanddependablefinancialservices increases,andtheroleofinnovativebanking solutionshasbecomecrucial.Organizationsthatpromote customer-centricapproachesandtechnological advancementsdoboosteconomicdevelopment.These banksarenotjustfinancialentitiesbutcatalystsforchange thatempowerindividualsandbusinessestoreachtheir potential.
UBAKenyaBankLtdwasestablishedin2009asa subsidiaryofUnitedBankforAfrica(UBA)Plc.United BankforAfricaPlcisaleadingPan-Africanfinancial institution,offeringbankingservicestomorethanforty-five millioncustomers,across1,000businessofficesand customertouchpointsin20Africancountries.With presenceinNewYork,London,ParisandDubai,UBAis connectingpeopleandbusinessesacrossAfricathrough retail,commercialandcorporatebanking,innovativecrossborderpaymentsandremittances,tradefinanceand ancillarybankingservices.
UBAKenyaispositionedtobeagotopartnerfor individuals,SMEs,Corporates,Governments,NGOs, EmbassiesandMultilateralAgenciesoperatinginKenya andbeyondborders.
KenyastandsasadynamichubinEastAfrica,witharobust economydrivenbyinnovation,entrepreneurship,and strategicconnectivitytoglobalmarkets.UBArecognizes
Kenya’spivotalroleinAfrica’seconomiclandscapeand haspositioneditselftosupportthisgrowththroughtailored bankingsolutions,tradefinance,anddigitalinnovation.
Unveiling the Leadership Journey:
ATrailblazerinBankingLeadership
MaryMuliliservesastheManagingDirector/CEOof UBAKenya,markingasignificantmilestoneinher extensivebankingcareer Withovertwodecadesof experience,shehasexcelledinvarioussectors,including corporate,commercial,publicsector,anddigitalbanking. Herdedicationtodeliveringinnovativefinancialsolutions hasgarneredrecognitionfrombothcustomersandindustry stakeholders.
JoiningUBAKenyarepresentedapivotalmomentfor Mary,aligningwithhervaluesofinnovationandcustomer focuswhilecontributingtoAfrica'seconomicgrowth.Her ascenttoCEOisparticularlynoteworthyasshebecomes thefirstfemaleleaderofthebank,symbolizingprogressin genderequalitywithinthefinancialsector This achievementreflectshercommitmenttoempowering womentopursueleadershiprolesinbanking.
Throughouthercareer,shehasemphasizedtheimportance ofmaintainingone'svaluesandfosteringinclusive environments.AsUBAKenyanavigatestheevolving bankinglandscape,sheremainsdedicatedtodriving positivechangeandsupportingdiversity,ensuringthatthe bankcontinuestothriveinexcellencewithinthefinancial industry.
UBA Kenya implements several ini a ves to a ract and retain top talent within the organiza on.
Ms. Mary Mulili MD/CEO
UBA Kenya
UBAPlcat75:BuildingaLegacyofGrowth, Innovation,andFinancialInclusion
ForUBAPlc,thepast75yearshavenotmerelymarkedthe passageoftimebuthavebirthedalegacyofresilience, innovation,andunwaveringcommitmenttomeetingthe financialneedsofitsdiverseclientele.Fromitshumble beginningstoitscurrentstatusasapan-Africanfinancial leaderwithaglobalfootprint,UBA’sjourneyisatestament toitsstrategicforesightandadaptabilityinaconstantly evolvingbankinglandscape.
UBA Kenya evaluates the effec veness of its strategies through various metrics focused on customer acquisi on and reten on. “
Established in Nigeria 75 years ago, UBA has transformed from its modest origins into a global financial powerhouse.
InnovationasaCompetitiveEdge
InnovationisintegraltoUBAKenya'sstrategyfor achievingacompetitiveadvantageinthebankingsector.By embracingadigital-firstapproach,thebankcaterstoatechsavvycustomerbase,enhancingservicedeliveryand expandingitsreach.KeyinnovationsincludeLEOChat Banking,anAI-poweredchatbotthatfacilitatesbanking transactionsviasocialmediaplatforms,andcomprehensive internetbankingservicesthatprovide24/7accountaccess. Thismobile-centricstrategypositionsUBAKenyaasa leaderinconvenienceamidstarapidlyevolvingfinancial landscape.
Additionally,UBAKenyaprioritizesfinancialinclusion throughtechnology.InitiativessuchastheBrailleaccount openingserviceensurethatvisuallyimpairedindividuals canaccessbankingserviceswithoutbarriers. CollaborationswithorganizationsliketheKenyaSociety fortheBlindfurtherunderscoreUBA'scommitmentto inclusivity
Theseinnovativepracticesnotonlyenhancethecustomer experiencebutalsodifferentiateUBAKenyaasasocially responsibleinstitution.Byfocusingonaccessiblebanking solutions,UBAKenyaeffectivelymeetsthediverseneeds ofallKenyans,solidifyingitspositionasatrustedfinancial partnerandleaderintheAfricanbankingindustry
FacilitatingAfricanTradeThroughBankingServices
UBAKenyaplaysacrucialroleinpromotingintra-African tradebyprovidingacomprehensiverangeofbanking servicestailoredtosupportbusinessesengagedincrossbordertransactions.WithaPan-Africanpresencespanning 20countriesandconnectionstomajorglobalfinancialhubs, UBAKenyaenablescrossbordertransactionsandprovide paymentsolutionstobusinessesoperatingoutsideofKenya andwithintheAfricanContinentandbeyond.
UBAConnect,allowscustomerstowithdrawanddeposit fundsatanyUBAbranchacrossAfrica,reducingthe complexitiesassociatedwithmulti-countryoperations.The Africashplatformfacilitatesinstantcross-bordermoney transfers,streamliningpaymentprocessesforbusinesses needingtotransactquicklywithsuppliers.
Additionally,UBAKenyaoffersrobusttradefinance solutions,includinglettersofcreditandbankguarantees, ensuringthatimportersandexportershavethenecessary financialresourcestoconducttheiroperationswhile
managingtraderisks.Thebankalsoprovidesvariousforex andcurrencysolutionstohelpbusinessesnavigatethe complexitiesofmulti-currencytransactions.
ThroughitspartnershipwiththeAfricanContinentalFree TradeArea(AfCFTA),UBAKenyaiscommittedto supportingexportersandmanufacturers,furtherenhancing itsroleasafacilitatoroftradewithinAfrica.
CorporateGovernanceandRiskManagement
AtUBA,wehaveawell-entrenchedriskmanagementand strongcorporategovernancepracticesessentialforbuilding trustwithourcustomers,stakeholdersandregulators.The Bankhasarobustregulatoryunderstandingandinterface ledbydynamicmanagementteamacrossgeographies.
CommitmenttoInfrastructuralDevelopment
UBAKenyaprovidesvariousfinancingsolutionsthatcater tothecapital-intensivenatureofinfrastructureprojects. Theseincludelong-termloans,projectfinance,andpublicprivatepartnership(PPP)fundingforsectorssuchas transport,energy,healthcare,andeducation.
• ProjectFinance:UBAKenyaoffersprojectfinance forlarge-scaleinfrastructureprojects,includingroads, bridges,airports,powerplants,andmore.Thebank workscloselywithdevelopers,governmentbodies, andprivateinvestorstoensuretheavailabilityof fundsthroughouttheprojectlifecycle.
• Public-PrivatePartnerships(PPPs):UBAKenya facilitatesPPPsbyprovidingfinancingsolutionsto projectsthatinvolvebothgovernmententitiesand privatesectorplayers.PPPsarecrucialfor infrastructuredevelopment,especiallyinareaslike energy,healthcare,andtransportation,wherepublic andprivatesectorcollaborationcanaccelerateproject delivery.
• SyndicatedLoans:Forparticularlylarge infrastructureprojects,UBAKenyaparticipatesin syndicatedloans,wheremultiplebankscollaborateto providethecapitalrequired.Thisallowsthebankto sharetheriskwhilefundingmajorprojectsthat contributetoeconomicdevelopment.
CreatingValueforStakeholders
UBAKenyageneratesvalueforitsstakeholdersthrougha rangeofinitiativesdesignedtopromotemutualgrowthand sustainability Thebankfocusesonprovidingtailored financialsolutionsthatcatertothediverseneedsofits customers,fromsmallandmediumenterprises(SMEs)to largecorporationsandindividuals.
StrategicAdvantageThroughPan-AfricanPresence
• FacilitatingCross-BorderTradeandPayments:Oneof themostsignificantwaysUBAKenyaleveragesthe Group’spresencein20Africancountriesisby facilitatingcross-bordertradeandpaymentswithinthe continent.
• LeveragingaPan-AfricanCustomerBase:UBA Group’spresenceacrossAfricagivesUBAKenya accesstoabroadcustomerbasethatincludes businessesandindividualsspreadacrossmultiple countries.Thisallowsthebanktoofferservicesthat catertobothlocalandregionalclients.
• StrengtheningRegionalPartnershipsandAlliances: TheUBAGroup’sextensiveAfricanpresenceallows UBAKenyatoengageinregionalpartnershipsand collaborationsthatstrengthenitspositionasakey playerinthefinancialsector Thebankcanleverage UBAGroup’srelationshipswithregionaldevelopment institutions,governments,andotherkeystakeholders.
AdaptationtoFinancialSectorChanges
UBAKenyahaseffectivelyadaptedtochangesinthe financialservicessectorbyembracingdigital transformationandinnovation.Thebankhasintegrated advancedtechnologiestoenhanceefficiencyandcustomer accessibility,aligningwiththegrowingdemandfordigital banking.
Topromotefinancialinclusion,UBAKenyahasdeveloped productsspecificallydesignedforunderservedpopulations. AnotableexampleistheintroductionofBrailleaccount openingforms,whichempowervisuallyimpaired customerstoaccessbankingservicesindependently This initiativereflectsUBAKenya'scommitmenttoinclusivity andalignswithnationalgoalsforbroaderfinancialaccess.
Byfocusingontheseinnovations,UBAKenyanotonly meetsregulatoryrequirementsbutalsopositionsitselfasa leaderinprovidingaccessiblefinancialservices,ensuring thatnosegmentofthepopulationisleftbehindinthe evolvingbankinglandscape.
TheRoadAhead:VisionfortheFuture
AsUBAKenyalookstothefuture,itremainscommittedto itscorevaluesofexcellence,enterprise,andexecution.The overallbank’svisionistobetheundisputedleadingand dominantfinancialservicesinstitutioninAfrica,delivering superiorvaluetoallitsstakeholders.
Toachievethisvision,UBAwillcontinuetoinvestin innovation,anddeepenitscustomerrelationships.The bank’sstrategicprioritiesincludeenhancingoperational efficiency,drivingdigitaltransformation,andleveraging dataanalyticstodeliverpersonalizedservices.
"We are committed to embark on a journey focused on accelerating growth, providing value to our customers and shareholders and aligned with the broader vision of sustainable banking," MaryMulili,MD/CEOUBAKenya.
