Equity Bank was the biggest winner
at the 20th edition of the Think Business Banking Awards 2025, taking home 16
awards, including nine top-category wins.
The bank was named Best in SME
Banking, Agriculture Financing, Asset Financing, Mortgage Financing, Financial
Literacy Programs, Agency Banking, Microfinance, Sustainable Corporate Social
Responsibility, and received the Special Judges Award for Product Innovation.
Equity also secured first runner-up
in Product Marketing and placed second runner-up in Mobile Banking, Retail
Banking, Trade Financing, Bank with the Lowest Tariff, and Best Bank in Tier 1.
The awards recognise performance
based on both quantitative and qualitative metrics, with this year’s theme, “Educate,
Empower, Enrich: The Financial Literacy Promise”, focusing on financial
knowledge as a tool for economic growth.
Equity Group CEO Dr. James Mwangi
was named CEO of the Year, adding to a string of international accolades,
including the Freedom of the City of London Award and the UNHCR Visionary
Award.
“I am truly honoured to be named CEO
of the Year, and I accept this recognition on behalf of the entire Equity
team,” said Dr. Mwangi.
“It is their unwavering commitment,
innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence that continue to drive our
impact and success.”
He added:
“Equity has long been the
home of MSMEs, and being recognised as the Best Bank in SME Banking is a
powerful affirmation of our continued investment in this vital sector. We
remain committed to walking alongside entrepreneurs, small and large, by
providing the tools, knowledge, and financing they need to thrive.”
Equity was recognised for
initiatives such as financial and digital literacy programs targeting
individuals and MSMEs, alongside entrepreneurship training and social impact
projects.
The Think Business Banking Awards is
a platform for recognising top-performing banks and financial institutions in
Kenya.
Winners are evaluated based on innovation,
service delivery, sustainability, and value creation for customers and
communities.
