Washington, D.C., September 13th, 2019 – Equity Bank became the newest member of the SME Finance Forum, a global membership network that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SMEs.
“200 million businesses worldwide need financing to invest, grow and create new jobs. We are proud to have Equity Bank join our network of more than 150 members who work to expand access to finance for small and medium businesses,” said Matthew Gamser, CEO of the Forum.
Equity Bank (Kenya) Ltd. is licensed under the Kenya Banking Act and offers retail banking, microfinance, and related services. The Bank has subsidiaries in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania and DRC. Equity Group recently signed a preliminary agreement with Atlas Mara that will see the Bank’s entry into Zambia and Mozambique. In July 2019, the Group opened a Commercial Representative Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Equity Bank retains a passionate commitment to empowering its clients to transform their lives and livelihoods.
“Our vision is to be the champion of the socio-economic prosperity of the people of Africa. We value integrity, innovation, and respect for our clients. Becoming a part of the SME Finance Forum touches on each of these values as we learn of the latest innovations in SME finance and build our relationship management skills with global leaders of this industry,” said Mary Wamae, Executive Director of Equity Group.
To see all SME Finance Forum members, please visit: https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list
About SME Finance Forum
The SME Finance Forum was established by the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) in 2012 as a knowledge center for data, research and best practice in promoting SME finance. As an implementing partner for the GPFI, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) was tasked with managing the initiative.
About Equity Bank
Founded in 1984 as Equity Building Society (EBS), Equity Bank Ltd. (EBL) converted to a full-fledged commercial bank in 2004. Since then, Equity Group has become the largest bank by market capitalization according to the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Over the years, the Bank has constructed a social and economic brand and scaled up by providing financial services to the masses through a diversified distribution of its products and services. Equity Bank’s strategic initiatives are geared towards enhancement of access, convenience and affordability of financial services to clients.
Media Contact
Carina Carrasco
ccarrasco@worldbank.org
