South African banking group FirstRand is interested in acquiring a Kenyan lender but will only proceed if the price is right, according to its CEO.

• FirstRand, parent of First National Bank (FNB), has been seeking opportunities in Kenya but emphasizes they will not "overpay for any asset."
• The group has total assets of 2.7 trillion rand and operates across several African markets.
• This interest comes as other African banks, including Nedbank Group and Zenith Bank, have recently made acquisitions in Kenya, a market with strong banking profits.

Financial sector leaders in Kenya are urging for improved data sharing and interoperability between financial platforms to enhance credit access for borrowers.

• A primary goal is to enable lenders to access reliable information, more accurately price risk, and identify viable borrowers.
• Key figures include FSD Kenya CEO Rashmi Pillai, Amb. Prof. Bitange Ndemo, Paul Manga of the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Metropol CRB CEO Gideon Kipyakwai.
• The call was made during the 3rd National Credit Market Convention organized by Metropol Credit Reference Bureau at Lake Naivasha Resort.

Absa Bank Kenya has officially appointed Yusuf Omari as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 10, 2026, following regulatory and internal approvals.

• Yusuf Omari, formerly the bank's Chief Finance Officer since 2009, had been serving as Interim Managing Director and CEO since July 1, 2026.
• He succeeds Abdi Mohamed, who moved to I&M Bank.
• Omari brings over two decades of banking experience and aims to strengthen customer relationships, accelerate sustainable growth, and invest in the bank's people.