I&M Bank Recognized for Retail Growth, Digital Innovation, and Agriculture Financing

I&M Bank has received multiple industry recognitions across Kenya and the wider region that affirm the Bank’s strategic progress in digital innovation, retail growth, payments excellence, and support to key economic sectors.

The Bank was named Best Digital Bank Kenya 2025, Fastest Growing Retail Bank Kenya 2025, and Best Multi-Currency Prepaid Card Kenya 2025 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards. The three accolades underscore I&M’s ongoing transformation into a digitally led, customer-centric financial partner for both individuals and businesses.

The Bank’s leadership in responsible finance was further affirmed when it was awarded Agri-lender of the Year by ACELI Africa, recognizing its impact in expanding access to finance for agricultural SMEs and supporting Kenya’s real economy.

This award underlined I&M Bank’s increasing role in financing agribusinesses and value-chain actors who are critical to the country’s food systems and job creation. During the 12-month evaluation period, the bank disbursed USD 12.7 million (approx. Kshs. 1.6 billion) to 264 sustainable agribusinesses, measuring impact across youth and women inclusion, climate, and food security.

Beyond Kenya, I&M’s regional footprint also received strong recognition. I&M Bank Rwanda was named Best SME Bank and Best Retail Bank in Rwanda 2025 by Global Banking and Finance Review, highlighting its customer-centric approach and strong market performance. In Uganda, the Bank was recognized for product innovation, with I&M Select Banking Sapphire Club winning Best Innovation of the Year at the Marketing Excellence Awards.

Commenting on the awards, I&M Regional CEO & Interim CEO, I&M Bank Kenya Kihara Maina said, “These recognitions are a strong validation of our strategy and our people. Winning across digital innovation, retail growth, operations, and sustainability reflects our ability to deliver real impact for customers and communities. Being named both Best Digital Bank and Agri-lender of the Year in the same year shows that we can innovate for the future while powering the real economy.”

In addition to the retail and digital categories, the bank secured the ‘Best Multi-Currency Prepaid Card Kenya’ award. The accolades follow a series of evaluations by regional and global bodies on the bank’s operational metrics, lending volumes, and digital adoption rates.

These accolades add to recognitions received in the first half of the year, including ‘Best Retail Bank’ and ‘Best Bank in Product Innovation’ at the Think Business Banking Awards. The bank was also named ‘Best BSP Bank (1st Runners Up)’ by the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA).