The recent acquisition of 51 percent of the shareholding of SMEP Microfinance Bank PLC (SMEP MFB) by HOPE Advancement Inc. (HOPE) has sparked considerable interest and discussion within the financial sector. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has officially confirmed this development, signifying a pivotal shift in the landscape of microfinance in the region. Let’s…
1.0 Commercial Banks’ Credit Officer Survey The latest survey by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) aimed to gauge the lending behavior within the banking sector across all eleven economic sectors. Queries revolved around credit demands, loan approval standards, non-performing loans, credit recovery efforts, and the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 9 on…
In a groundbreaking development, Kenya and several other African nations have successfully secured climate-related financing deals, amounting to a staggering $23 billion (Sh3.36 trillion), during the inaugural climate summit held in Nairobi. These substantial investments are set to bolster Africa’s green initiatives significantly. President William Ruto expressed his satisfaction with the three-day Africa Climate Summit,…
In the ever-evolving landscape of financial markets, Equity Group, under the astute leadership of Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi, has unveiled a strategic move that distinguishes it from its peers in Kenya’s banking sector. Amidst the transition to a comprehensive risk-based pricing system, Equity Bank has taken a unique stance by preserving the…
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has raised concerns about microfinance banks (MFBs) charging high interest rates, up to 32 percent, on loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These high interest rates are despite the requirement for collateral and are seen as a potential hindrance to the growth of SMEs. Here are the key…
