I&M Bank Secures Top Honors for Digital Innovation, Retail Expansion and Agricultural Financing
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 17 – I&M Bank has garnered a series of prestigious industry recognitions across Kenya and the East African region, cementing its status as a market leader in digital innovation, retail growth, payments excellence and support to key economic sectors.
The Bank’s commitment to excellence was further solidified by a triple win at the Global Banking and Finance Awards 2025, where it was honored as the Best Digital Bank Kenya, Fastest Growing Retail Bank Kenya, and provider of the Best Multi-Currency Prepaid Card Kenya.
The three accolades underscore I&M’s ongoing transformation into a digitally led, customer-centric financial partner for both individuals and businesses.
Additionally, the Bank’s leadership in responsible finance was further affirmed when it was awarded Agri-lender of the Year by ACELI Africa, recognizing its impact in expanding access to finance for agricultural SMEs and supporting Kenya’s real economy.
The award underlined I&M Bank’s increasing role in financing agribusinesses and value-chain actors who are critical to the country’s food systems and job creation.
During the 12-month evaluation period, the bank disbursed USD 12.7 million (approx. Kshs. 1.6 billion) to 264 sustainable agribusinesses, measuring impact across youth and women inclusion, climate and food security.
The Group’s regional expansion strategy reached a major milestone with I&M Bank Rwanda securing a double victory at the Global Banking and Finance Review Awards 2025, where it was named both Best SME Bank Rwanda and Best Retail Bank Rwanda.
These honors reflect the subsidiary’s exceptional market performance and its success in delivering a customer-centric banking experience tailored to the unique needs of the Rwandan market.
In Uganda, the Bank was recognized for product innovation, with I&M Select Banking Sapphire Club winning Best Innovation of the Year at the Marketing Excellence Awards.
I&M Regional CEO & Interim CEO, I&M Bank Kenya Kihara Maina commenting on the awards said the recognitions are a strong validation of bank strategy and its people.
“Winning across digital innovation, retail growth, operations and sustainability reflects our ability to deliver real impact for customers and communities, Being named both Best Digital Bank and Agri-lender of the Year in the same year shows that we can innovate for the future while powering the real economy”, said Mr. Kihara.
In addition to the retail and digital categories, the bank secured the ‘Best Multi-Currency Prepaid Card Kenya’ award.
The accolades are a result of rigorous, independent assessments conducted by regional and international bodies, which closely scrutinized the Bank’s core operational metrics, year-on-year lending growth, and the depth of its digital adoption.
These accolades add to recognitions received in the first half of the year, including ‘Best Retail Bank’ and ‘Best Bank in Product Innovation’ at the Think Business Banking Awards.
The bank was also named ‘Best BSP Bank (1st Runners Up)’ by the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA).
