By Mulengera Reporters
Equity Group Holdings has announced plans to create a separate company to house all its fintech operations, including digital payments platforms such as Equitel, in a move set for the second half of 2026.
The restructuring is aimed at reducing operational costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing customer experience, while also unlocking greater value from the Group’s growing digital ecosystem.
The new entity will be led by Equity Technology Group Managing Director Sarah Kabira. She will be supported by a team of experienced technology professionals, including Eve Ngigi, John Kamara and Johnny Falla, who bring backgrounds from global firms such as Visa, Google, Andela and Lori. Kabira previously worked at Safaricom.
Speaking during the release of the Group’s 2025 full-year results in Nairobi, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi said the move is part of the lender’s broader 2030 strategy, which focuses on leveraging next-generation digital and AI-driven capabilities.
He noted that the strategy aims to scale impact, deepen financial inclusion and accelerate growth across Africa, with a target of operating in 15 countries and serving 100 million customers by 2030.
“Our focus is to build a future-ready institution that is scalable, secure and impact-led,” Dr. Mwangi said, adding that investments in digital and AI technologies will help lower costs, improve risk management and expand access to financial services such as credit, insurance and investments.
The planned fintech company will introduce upgraded digital systems and innovative applications, supported by a modern go-to-market model designed to better serve diverse customer segments.
Equity Group, which operates as a non-operating holding company based in Nairobi, reported strong financial results for 2025. Net profit rose to KSh75.5 billion ($580 million), up from KSh48.8 billion the previous year, while total assets grew by nine percent to KSh1.97 trillion ($15 billion). Customer deposits increased by four percent to KSh1.46 trillion.
The Group has banking subsidiaries in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as a representative office in Ethiopia.
Equity Bank was recently named Best Regional Bank in East Africa and retained its position as Kenya’s most valuable brand in 2025.
Beyond traditional lending, the Group is also expanding its support for small and medium-sized enterprises by facilitating cross-border trade through its regional network and integrated digital payment systems. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
