Stanbic Bank Kenya’s strategic initiatives highlight its ability to blend technological advancements with tailored financial solutions, addressing complex market needs while enhancing client autonomy. The bank’s contributions to major corporate transactions further highlight its pivotal position in shaping the financial landscape in Kenya.
The bank has played a role in headline transactions across various sectors, leveraging its tailored foreign exchange solutions to effectively manage risk and liquidity. A prime example was its involvement in Diageo Kenya’s acquisition of shares in East African Breweries, where Stanbic’s FX execution mechanisms were essential in managing liquidity and securing investor participation. Despite challenging market conditions, the bank’s solutions helped maintain market stability throughout the transaction.
In another example, the bank supported Rubis’s acquisition of Kenol Kobil through FX risk management strategies that mitigated currency volatility and protected debt structures.
The bank also helped facilitate the Kenya Road Annuity Programme through FX hedging and interest rate risk management solutions. These were instrumental in shielding financial models from adverse rate fluctuations, thereby ensuring the project’s viability despite the volatile economic landscape.
On the technology front, Stanbic Bank has launched eMarketTrader, a sophisticated online trading platform that allows clients to transact seamlessly across major FX exchanges. This self-service platform integrates market intelligence, real-time pricing, trade execution and post-trade services into a single, user-friendly interface, while offering a customizable trading workflow that enables users to optimize their trading.
EMarketTrader has proven highly successful, with 70% of FX transactions executed through Stanbic Bank now being conducted via the platform.
“Stanbic Bank Kenya is a cornerstone of the Kenyan FX market, driving its development and stability through our advanced e-MarketTrader platform, market-making activities, and comprehensive hedging solutions,” says Bethuel Karanja, head of global markets. “Our collaboration with the Central Bank of Kenya, coupled with our commitment to delivering insightful market research and tailored corporate support, underscores our role in enhancing market liquidity and reducing volatility. By offering specialized training and fostering strategic partnerships, we empower businesses to thrive in a dynamic economic landscape.”
Alakh Kohli, head of corporate and investment banking, adds: “Our strategic role in pivotal transactions, such as a landmark equity acquisition and other major corporate acquisitions, underscores our expertise and dedication to market stability. By providing comprehensive financial advisory, effective FX execution, and innovative risk management solutions, we not only facilitated the successful execution of these high-profile deals but also strengthened market liquidity and supported key industry players. Our approach ensures optimal value and stability for our clients, even amidst challenging economic conditions, reaffirming our commitment to excellence and market leadership.”
