List of all international banks in Kenya

An international bank is a bank that offers financial services across geopolitical borders.

Also referred to as offshore/foreign banking, it draws customers from different locations across the globe for a specific range of services.

There is a large concentration of international banks in Kenya.

While some operate as subsidiaries of larger multinational financial institutions, some are local banks that have gone international.

 

1. Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB)

1. 1. KCB is registered as a commercial bank by Kenya’s regulator Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
   2. The bank boasts a Ksh. 939.6 billion asset base and a reach of 205 branches countrywide.
   3. It has since crossed over Kenya’s borders with operations in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Burundi.
   4. Kenya Commercial Bank also has over 29 million Kenyan customers, as well as 26,726 agents countrywide.
   5. Alongside other top banks, KCB controls close to half of Kenya’s market share.
   6. KCB provides distinct services for both individual and corporate utility.
   7. The services include;
      1. 1. Loans
         2. Insurance
         3. Savings
         4. Financing
   8. Its popular KCB-MPESA service has enabled millions of users to save and borrow loans from it.
   9. KCB has also digitized its services and is now accessible on the world wide web and KCB Applications.
   10. Click here to download the KCB Android mobile App. 
   11. Click here to download the KCB iOS mobile App. 

 

 

 

 

Also read: List of all tier 1 banks in Kenya

 

 

2. Equity Bank Kenya

1. 1. Equity Bank Kenya Limited is a financial services provider headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
   2. It is licensed as a commercial bank by the Central Bank of Kenya which is Kenya’s banking regulator.
   3. Equity Group Holdings, its parent company, has subsidiaries in the following other countries in Africa;
      1. 1. Uganda
         2. Tanzania
         3. Rwanda
         4. South Sudan
         5. The  Democratic Republic of Congo
         6. A representative office in Ethiopia
   4. Alongside other top banks, Equity controls close to half of Kenya’s market share.
   5. Equity is also the most accessible bank in Kenya complete with Mtaani agents as well as User SIM cards.
   6. Mimicking Safaricom’s M-PESA, Equity Bank customers can perform deposits, withdrawals, and a host of other transactions using the convenient Equitel line.
   7. After being introduced in 2014, Equity Bank’s mobile network Equitel attracted more than 2.7 million users in just 2 years.
   8. This cutting-edge banking maneuver grew Equity Bank’s market share to 20%.
   9. By 2021, Equity Bank had an asset base of over Ksh. 1.12 trillion.
   10. Equity Bank has also digitized its services and is now accessible on the world wide web and Equity Bank Applications.
   11. Click here to access the online Equity Bank self-service portal.
   12. Click here to download the Equity Bank Mobile App.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Standard Chartered Kenya (Stanchart Kenya)

1. 1. Standard Chartered PLC is a British multinational bank that offers retail banking in Kenya.
   2. Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya.
   3. The bank offers individual consumer, corporate, institutional banking, and treasury services.
   4. Its first branch in Kenya was opened at Treasury Square in Mombasa’s Central Business District.
   5. The bank has also been on a recent winning streak of banking awards, having won accolades including;
      1. 1. World’s Best Trade Finance Provider in Kenya 2022
         2. Best Trade Finance Bank in East Africa 2022
         3. Best Consumer Digital Bank 2020
   6. Standard Chartered Bank Kenya has also digitized its services and is now accessible on the world wide web and Standard Chartered Bank Applications.
   7. Click here to download the Stanchart Kenya mobile App.

 

 

 

 

4. Stanbic Bank

1. 1. Stanbic Holdings Plc, formerly known as CfC Stanbic Holdings Limited, is a financial services organization in Kenya.
   2. Headquartered in Nairobi Kenya, Stanbic Bank has subsidiaries in Kenya and South Sudan.
   3. Alongside other top banks, Stanbic controls close to half of Kenya’s market share.
   4. The bank has been serving Kenyans since 1958, with a wide range of products including;
      1. 1. Private banking
         2. Diaspora banking
         3. Construction Financing
         4. Salary or cash advance
         5. Loans including home loans
         6. Mobile banking
   5. Click here to download the Stanbic Bank Mobile App.

 

 

 

 

 

5. Absa Bank Kenya

1. 1. Absa Bank Kenya PLC, formerly Barclays Bank Kenya Limited, is a commercial bank registered in Kenya.
   2. The bank is a subsidiary of the South Africa-based Absa Group Limited.
   3. It is licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya, the central bank and national banking regulator.
   4. Absa Bank is present in 12 countries offering financial services including;
      1. 1. Personal Banking
         2. Islamic banking
         3. Corporate investment
         4. Insurance
         5. Asset management
   5. Absa has a popular money lending service Timiza that is ideal for low-income earners.
   6. The service is accessible through both USSD and online mobile Apps.
   7. Click here to download the Absa Bank Mobile App.
   8. Click here to download the Absa Bank iOS Mobile App.

 

 

 

 

Also read: List of All Taxi Hailing Apps in Kenya

 

 

6. Diamond Trust Bank Group (DTB)

1. 1. Diamond Trust Bank Group is a Kenyan bank that was founded in 1945.
   2. The bank has enjoyed decades of growth that has seen it begin operations in the following countries;
      1. 1.  Burundi
         2. Tanzania
         3. Uganda
   3. DTB is majority owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development.
   4. Headquartered along Nairobi’s Mombasa Road the bank deals with both corporate and individual clients.
   5. The bank has also been registered by the Nairobi Securities Exchange since 1972.
   6. Diamond Trust Bank offers the following services;
      1. 1. Fixed deposits
         2. Salary Accounts
         3. Diaspora banking
         4. Mortgage
         5. Leasing
         6. Insurance premium financing
         7. Overdraft facilities
         8. Term loans
   7. Click here to download the Diamond Trust Bank Android Mobile App.
   8. Click here to download the Diamond Trust Bank iOS Mobile App.

 

 

 

 

7. Bank of India

1. 1. The Bank of India is a foreign financial service provider that is based in  Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai.
   2. The bank has been operating in Kenya since 1953 when it opened its first branch in Mombasa.
   3. A Nairobi branch was opened in 1954. The Bank has also been modifying its corporate identity over the years to maintain the spirit of modernization.
   4. The colors of Bank Of India’s Star have changed colors to Blue, Russet, and Ochre, which has enhanced the visual appeal of the logo.
   5. Registered as a commercial bank by the Central Bank of Kenya, it offers the following services;
      1. 1. Loans and advances
         2. Safe deposit
         3. Savings account
         4. Fixed deposit account
         5. Current account

 

 

 

 

8. Bank of Baroda

1. 1. Bank of Baroda is a central public sector bank under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
   2. The bank is headquartered in Vadodara, Gujarat in India.
   3. The parent Bank has an International presence in 94 overseas offices spanning 17 countries including Kenya.
   4. Registered as a commercial bank in Kenya, the Bank of Baroda provides both personal and corporate banking services.
   5. It has a mobile banking platform, Baroda Mobi Kenya which is an App on the Google Play Store.
   6. Click here to download the Baroda Mobi Kenya App on Google Play Store.

 

 

 

9. Ecobank

1. 1. Ecobank, whose official name is Ecobank Transnational Inc., is a pan-African banking conglomerate.
   2. The bank has banking operations in 33 African countries.
   3. Ecobank Transnational is the leading independent regional banking group in West Africa and Central Africa, serving wholesale and retail customers.
   4. Ecobank Kenya (EKE) had an asset base of Ksh. 94.4 billion as of 31st December 2020.
   5. The bank currently has 16 branches, 29 ATMs, and over 40 Xpress Point Agents located in different parts of Kenya.
   6. Ecobank Kenya offers individual consumer banking, corporate, and investment banking.
   7. Click here to download the Ecobank Kenya App on Google Play Store.

 

 

 

 

10. I&M Bank Kenya

1. 1. I&M Bank Kenya Limited is a commercial bank based in Kenya, the largest economy in the East African Community.
   2. I&M Bank is licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya which is Kenya’s banking regulator.
   3. I&M Bank has operations in the following countries through its susidiaries;
      1. 1. Rwanda
         2. Tanzania
         3. Uganda
         4. Mauritius
   4. It was incorporated on 16th August 1950 and is one of the oldest companies to list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
   5. The bank currently has an asset base of Ksh. 429 billion and offers the following services in its 83 branches countrywide;
      1. 1. 1. Individual banking
            2. Corporate banking
            3. Insurance services
            4. Loans and advances
   6. Click here to download the I&M Bank Kenya App on Google Play Store.

 

 

 

 

11. SBM Bank Kenya

1. 1. SBM Bank Limited, previously known as Fidelity Commercial Bank Limited is a commercial bank in Kenya.
   2. Fidelity Commercial Bank Kenya was in 2017 purchased and became a subsidiary of SBM.
   3. The State Bank of Mauritius (SBM) consequently renamed it and became SBM Kenya Bank.
   4. SBM Bank Kenya offers the following services to its customers;
      1. 1. 1. Individual banking
            2. Corporate banking
            3. Diaspora banking
            4. Loans
            5. Salary accounts and payday advances
            6. Asset Insurance
   5. Click here to download the SBM Bank Kenya Android App on Google Play Store.
   6. Click here to download the SBM Bank Kenya iOS App.

 

 

 

 

12. Co-operative Bank of Kenya

1. 1. Co-operative Bank of Kenya is a registered commercial bank in Kenya, the largest economy in the East African Community.
   2. It is licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya which is the national banking regulator.
   3. The bank was listed on December 22nd, 2008 using collective shares of 3,805 Co-operative Societies and unions.
   4. Co-op has a subsidiary, Kingdom Securities Limited which is a stockbroking firm. The bank owns 64.56% of Kingdom Securities.
   5. Another subsidiary, the Co-operative Bank of South Sudan Ltd offers banking services in the Republic of South Sudan.
   6. Co-operative Bank offers a wide array of financial services including;
      1. 1. Banking for businesses
         2. Individual banking
         3. Banking for co-operatives
         4. Banking for Institutions
         5. Investor services
   7. Co-op Bank has also digitized its services and is now accessible on the world wide web and mobile banking.
   8. Click here to download the Co-operative Bank mobile App.

 

 

 

 

13. NCBA Bank

1. 1. NCBA is a major player in Kenya’s banking sector.
   2. It was formed in a highly publicized 2019 merger between heavyweights NIC Bank and the Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA).
   3. Headquartered in Nairobi Kenya, NCBA Bank has subsidiaries in the following countries;
      1. 1. Uganda
         2. Tanzania
         3. Rwanda
         4. The Ivory Coast
   4. The NCBA Bank Kenya offers a wide range of financial services including;
      1. 1. Current and savings accounts
         2. Diaspora banking
         3. Forex solutions
         4. Home and plot loans
         5. Asset finance (car and logbook loans)
         6. Personal loans
         7. Overdrafts
         8. Insurance services for cars, homes, health, critical illness, and personal accident, among others.
         9. Investment services
   5. Alongside other top banks, NCBA Bank controls close to half of Kenya’s market share.
   6. NCBA offers cutting mobile banking options to its customers featuring a functional online self-service portal and mobile Apps.
   7. Click here to download the NCBA Kenya Android App on Google Play Store.
   8. Click here to download the NCBA Bank Kenya iOS App.

 

 

 

 

14. Guaranty Trust Bank

1. 1. Guaranty Trust Bank (Kenya) Ltd, commonly referred to as GTBank Kenya, is a registered commercial bank in Kenya.
   2. This is a subsidiary of the n Guaranty Trust Bank PLC which is based in Nigeria.
   3. The Nigerian bank is a tier 2 bank in Kenya that offers a wide range of services to its customers.
   4. Apart from Kenya, the bank has operations in the following countries;
      1. 1. Uganda
         2. Rwanda
         3. South Africa
   5. Guaranty Trust Bank (Kenya) Ltd offers the following services;
      1. 1. Commercial and corporate banking
         2. Personal Banking
         3. SME banking
   6. Click here to download the Guaranty Trust Bank Android App on Google Play Store.

 

 

15. Citibank Kenya

1. 1. Citibank is an American bank that has operated in Kenya since 1974 with its main branches located in Nairobi and Mombasa.
   2. Citibank Kenya serves as a regional hub of the Citi East Africa cluster which includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia.
   3. Unlike many commercial banks in Kenya that serve both individuals and corporate customers, Citibank only serves corporate and institutional clients.
   4. Citibank was founded in 1812 as the City Bank of New York and it is headquartered in New York City, USA.
   5. Click here to access the Citibank Kenya online banking platform.

 

 

 

 

16. ABC Bank

1. 1. ABC Bank is the African Banking Corporation Limited, a Kenyan commercial bank established in 1984.
   2. The bank is headquartered in the Westlands area of Nairobi and jointly holds 10% of the market share with the rest of the tier 3 banks.
   3. ABC Bank has 15 branches across Kenya and Uganda (11 in Kenya) where it offers the following services;
      1. 1. 1. Business Banking
            2. Personal Banking
            3. Stock brokerage
            4. Investment advisory
            5. Insurance
            6. Risk management
   4. The bank began as Consolidated Finance Company, a Nairobi-based lending institution.
   5. It has enjoyed steady growth that saw it amass over 50,000 clients across its 4 decades of existence.
   6. ABC Bank had an asset base of over Ksh. 36 billion by the end of 2022.
   7. ABC Bank also has a mobile banking platform to make your experience easier.
   8. Click here to download the ABC Bank Android mobile App.

 

 

17. UBA Bank

1. 1. United Bank for Africa PLC is a Multinational pan-African financial services group headquartered in Lagos Nigeria.
   2. Also known as Africa’s Global Bank, it has subsidiaries in 20 African countries, as well as offices in London, Paris, and New York.
   3. The Kenyan subsidiary of UBA Bank is a decent licensed financial institution that offers the following services;
      1. 1. 1. Cards. Cards are highly convenient and can facilitate various transactions without you visiting the bank.
            2. Personal banking that includes current and savings accounts
   4. Click here to download the UBA Bank Android mobile App.

 

 

 

 

18. Habib Bank AG Zurich

1. 1. Habib Bank AG Zurich is a Swiss multinational commercial bank which is based in Zurich, Switzerland.
   2. The bank has subsidiaries operating in Kenya and the following other countries;
      1. 1. Pakistan
         2. South Africa
         3. The United Arab Emirates
         4. The United Kingdom
   3. Habib Bank AG Zurich offers the following services;
      1. 1. Individual Banking
         2. SME Banking
         3. Corporate Banking
         4. Institutional Banking
   4. Click here to download the Habib Bank AG Zurich Kenyan mobile App.