Equity Group Holdings is preparing a major shake-up of its digital operations, announcing plans to spin off its fast-growing fintech business into a standalone company by the second half of 2026.
The move will consolidate all digital financial services currently under its Finserve arm “including Equitel” into a single, independent entity, in what signals a decisive shift from traditional banking toward a technology-driven financial ecosystem.
At the heart of the restructuring is a strategy to cut operational costs, boost efficiency and unlock greater value from the Group’s rapidly expanding digital platforms, as competition intensifies across Africa’s fintech space.
The new company will be led by Equity’s Technology Managing Director, Sarah Kabira, alongside a high-profile team of global tech veterans.
The leadership includes Eve Ngigi, John Kamara and Johnny Falla, professionals with experience at firms such as Visa, Google, Andela and Lori, signaling the Group’s intent to compete on a global digital stage.
Speaking in Nairobi during the release of the bank’s 2025 results, CEO James Mwangi described the move as central to Equity’s long-term transformation strategy.
He said the lender is investing heavily in next-generation digital systems and artificial intelligence to scale its reach, reduce the cost of serving customers and expand access to financial services.
The fintech spin-off forms a key pillar of Equity’s ambitious 2030 roadmap, which targets expansion into 15 countries and a customer base of 100 million people.
The Group is positioning itself not just as a bank, but as a broader “Transformation Finance Institution” connecting capital, markets and businesses across the continent.
Financially, the Group enters this transition from a position of strength. Net profit surged to KSh75.5 billion ($580 million) in 2025, up from KSh48.8 billion the previous year, while total assets rose to KSh1.97 trillion.
Regional operations now contribute more than half of profit before tax, underscoring the growing importance of its pan-African footprint.
With operations spanning six countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo., Equity is increasingly leveraging its digital platforms to drive cross-border trade and support small businesses in accessing new markets.
