Think Business Banking Awards names Equity Bank top Kenyan lender

Equity Bank has been named the Overall Best Bank in Kenya at the 2026 Think Business Banking Awards where its chief executive officer was also honoured.

The bank emerged top in 10 categories and was ranked second in two others, reaffirming its leadership and resilience in the country’s financial sector.

During the ceremony, Equity Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. James Mwangi was named Overall CEO of the Year for his contribution in the bank’s strategic growth and impact.

“This recognition as the Overall Best Bank in Kenya reflects years of deliberate investment in building a resilient, inclusive and future-ready financial institution. It speaks to the strength of our business model, which integrates financial innovation with deep customer understanding, allowing us to serve millions across all segments of the economy while maintaining sustainability and scale,” said Mwangi.

The lender also emerged as the Best Bank in Retail Banking and Product Innovation categories, alongside receiving a Special Judges Award for Product Innovation.

“As we navigate a rapidly evolving banking landscape, we remain focused on strengthening capital efficiency, expanding access to credit for productive sectors, and leveraging technology to deliver differentiated value to our customers and communities,” he added.

Other categories the bank topped include Agriculture and Livestock Financing, Asset Financing, Microfinance and Sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility.

“We assessed 160 entries against a rigorous 100-point framework, looking at both quantitative data such as financial ratios and qualitative factors including governance and innovation. This ensured that only the most deserving institutions emerged as winners,” said Chief Judge Priscillah Mogaka.

She added that the 2026 awards reflect a banking sector that is increasingly resilient, digitally progressive and responsive to evolving customer needs.

The Think Business Banking Awards evaluate lenders across a wide range of indicators, including financial performance, innovation, risk management and customer focus, at a time when the sector faces mounting pressure to balance growth with stability and affordability.