Equity Group to launch repackaged fintech company by end of 2026

April 28, 2026 in Financial Services, Technology & Telecoms by Editor

The Equity Technology Group Managing Director, Sarah Kabira, is to head the new company. She is being supported by a leadership team of experienced and well respected people in the ICT sector, including Eve Ngigi, John Kamara and Johnny Falla who, between them have had stints at Visa, Google, Andela and Lori. Kabira herself was formerly at Safaricom.

Equity Group Holdings will house all its fintech applications, including its digital payments platforms under the Finserve subsidiary such as Equitel, into a new spin-off company to be launched during the second half of 2026.

Besides cutting operational costs and raising efficiencies to enhance the customer experience, Equity Group wants to unlock more value from the digital ecosystem after completion of the restructuring process.

Referring to these developments during the recent release of their 2025 full year results in Nairobi, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi said executing its 2030 strategy involves leveraging next‑generation digital and AI‑enabled capabilities to scale impact, deepen inclusion and accelerate growth across the continent.

This Equity Group’s 2030 strategy positions the organization for transformative, continent‑wide growth, aiming to operate in 15 countries and serve 100 million customers by 2030.

Dr. Mwangi said, “Our focus is to build a future-ready institution that is scalable, secure and impact-led. Through our Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, we are investing in next-generation digital and AI-enabled capabilities that enhance customer experience, strengthen risk management and lower the cost-to-serve, while extending access to affordable credit, insurance and investment solutions.”

He said, “As we progress toward our 2030 ambitions, we are evolving beyond traditional banking into a Transformation Finance Institution that mobilizes capital, connects ecosystems and accelerates inclusive, sustainable prosperity across Africa.”

Planned upgrades to be incorporated in the new company include next‑generation digital, AI‑enabled systems, and the launch of innovative applications supported by a modern go‑to‑market model. These developments are expected to drive more effective service to diverse customer segments while building a culture of client centricity, agility, and innovation.

Based in Nairobi, Equity Group operates as a non-operating holding company, with significant regional operations contributing nearly 50 pc of total assets and 54 pc of profit before tax.

During 2025, net profit was KSh75.5 billion ($580 million), up from KSh48.8 billion the previous year. The balance sheet expanded by nine percent to KSh1.97 trillion or $15 billion, (FY2024: KSh1.8 trillion), and customer deposits rose by four percent to KSh1.46 trillion (FY2024: KSh1.40 trillion).

The Group currently operates banking subsidiaries in six African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Equity also maintains a commercial representative office in Ethiopia.

Equity Bank was recently named the Best Regional Bank in East Africa and retained its position as Kenya’s most valuable brand in 2025, reaffirming the Group’s regional leadership and commitment to financial inclusion and socio‑economic transformation.

Beyond lending, the Group is strengthening market linkages for SMEs by enabling cross-border trade through its regional footprint and integrated digital payments and transaction-banking capabilities; helping businesses access new customers, suppliers and growth opportunities across the region.