Banker Africa shortlists 30 Kenyan lenders for awards

The nominations by Banker Africa come at a time Kenya’s banking sector is under a heavy storm caused by the successive collapse of three small lenders in the past nine months.

Banker Africa, which is published by CPI Financial, said the banking crisis has provided Kenya with the best opportunity to recognise those banks that have stayed the course of ethical practices and good governance, which are critical to the industry’s survival.

“Against a backdrop of turmoil in the Kenyan banking sector, there can be no better time to identify those banks that are getting things right! Customers, both corporate and individual, need to have confidence in their banks,” said Robin Amlôt, chief executive at CPI Financial.

The annual Banker Africa Awards are continent-wide programmes that are open to all banks and financial institutions in Africa. The awards, which were broken into four regions, recognise outstanding performance and excellence in the financial services sector.

For the first time in the awards’ history, the winners will also include the ‘CEO of the Year’ and the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’.

“Demonstrating the quality that is available to the consumers should help restore that confidence,” said Mr Amlôt in reference to the unrest that has followed the collapse of three banks since July last year.

Banker Africa’s shortlist of lenders tipped for recognition includes Equity, NIC, CFC Stanbic, Co-operative Bank and DTB as well as microfinance banks such as Kenya Women Finance Trust, Rafiki, Faulu, Century and SMEP.

Banker Africa, a Dubai-based company, recognises Kenyan banks for outstanding performance in the various categories such retail, corporate, commercial, investment, socially responsible, SME and customer service.

Central Bank of Kenya governor Patrick Njoroge last week maintained that the sector is safe and established a fund to bailout banks and micro lenders faced with liquidity issues.

Kenya Country Awards:

Best Retail Bank – Kenya:
• CBA (Commercial Bank of Africa)
• KCB (Kenya Commercial Bank)
• Co-Operative Bank of Kenya
• Diamond Trust Bank
• NIC Bank
• Equity Bank

Best Corporate Bank – Kenya:
• CFC Stanbic
• Standard Chartered Kenya
• Barclays Bank Kenya
• Co-Operative Bank of Kenya
• I&M Bank
• Diamond Trust Bank

Best Commercial Bank – Kenya:
• KCB (Kenya Commercial Bank)
• Equity Bank
• Diamond Trust Bank
• Barclays Bank Kenya
• Standard Chartered Kenya
• NIC Bank

Best Investment Bank – Kenya:
• KCB Capital
• CBA Capital
• Faida Investment Bank
• Dyer & Blair Investment Bank
• CFC Stanbic
• African Alliance

Best SME Bank – Kenya:
• Co-operative Bank of Kenya
• ABC Bank (African Banking Corporation)
• CBA (Commercial Bank of Africa)
• KCB (Kenya Commercial Bank)
• Family Bank Kenya
• Consolidated Bank of Kenya Ltd

Source:http://www.businessdailyafrica.com