Equity Bank dominates 2025 Awards, Mwangi named CEO

By Daisy Okiring

Equity Group has emerged as the top institution at the 20th Think Business Banking Awards, clinching 16 awards across major performance and innovation categories, including the prestigious CEO of the Year title awarded to Managing Director Dr. James Mwangi.

The awards ceremony, held in Nairobi on May 10, recognized Equity for outstanding achievements in areas such as SME banking, agriculture financing, mortgage services, and digital literacy. The bank secured nine top positions and earned runner-up mentions in several others, including mobile and retail banking.

Equity honored for community empowerment and innovation

Equity stood out for its commitment to empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with judges praising its holistic financial literacy programs, agency banking model, and sustainability initiatives. The bank also received the Special Judges Award for Product Innovation and was honored for its efforts in social responsibility and microfinance.

“Our success in SME banking reflects our mission to support entrepreneurship and financial inclusion across Africa,” said Dr. Mwangi. “These awards reaffirm our belief that inclusive financial systems are a powerful engine for social and economic transformation.”

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Equity was also recognized as first runner-up in Product Marketing, and second runner-up in several competitive categories, including Best Bank in Tier 1, Mobile Banking, and Trade Financing.

CEO of the Year: A nod to transformational leadership

Dr. Mwangi’s CEO of the Year accolade highlighted his influential role in steering Equity’s growth through innovative digital solutions and community-driven banking strategies. His leadership has been credited with expanding access to banking for underserved populations and positioning Equity as a regional financial powerhouse.

“This recognition is a reflection of our collective effort to deliver inclusive, impactful financial services that uplift communities,” Mwangi said.

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Awards emphasize financial literacy and resilience

This year’s awards were themed “Educate, Empower, Enrich: The Financial Literacy Promise,” aligning with Equity’s ongoing programs that aim to build financial resilience among individuals and businesses. The Think Business Awards are among Kenya’s most prestigious banking accolades, honoring institutions that excel in innovation, customer service, and social impact.