Country Head of Financial Institutions, Kenya at Equity Bank Kenya

THE ROLE PURPOSE

• We are seeking a dynamic and highly skilled professional to join our Treasury, Global Markets team as Country Head of Financial Institutions, Kenya
• The Country Head of Sales FI will lead the sales strategy and execution for financial institutions across our footprint.
• The role is responsible for driving revenue, capturing market share, and strengthening the bank’s franchise in global markets.
• The incumbent will engage with institutional clients including banks, insurance companies, pension funds, asset managers, FinTech to deliver tailored solutions and deepen relationships across the footprint.

THE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Sales Strategy & Market Growth

• Define, develop and execute a sales strategy focused on financial and non-financial institutions. 
• Drive substantial revenue growth and expand market share through innovative sales initiatives across our footprint.

Client Coverage & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with institutional clients (banks, insurers, pension funds, asset managers) 
• Strengthening client relations across diverse segments, ensuring tailored solutions for each.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand the bank’s sales franchise across Africa and develop strategies to capture them.
• Deliver tailored solutions across FX, fixed income, derivatives and structured products.
• Champion cross-selling initiatives across the bank’s product suites.
• Be a trusted partner and business enabler. 
• Deep and strong understanding of Africa terrain, financial markets, regulatory environments and cross border opportunities. 
• Engage with all relevant stakeholders (internally and externally) to enhance the profile of global markets, FI Sales franchise both within the bank and in the industry.

Strategic Leadership and Collaboration

• Contribute to the Treasury’s strategy, ensure alignment with regional growth priorities as per ARRP.
• Collaborate with product, coverage, operations and all relevant stakeholders teams to deliver seamless client solutions.
• Engage with Commercial Directors and Senior Leadership to align FI sales strategies.
• Partner with products heads, risk, and operations teams to deliver integrated FI sales solutions.
• Represent the bank in industry forums and regulatory engagements, where applicable and in conjunctions with compliance and group treasury.

Risk Management 

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements across all jurisdictions.
• Uphold strong market conduct, operational risk, and credit risk management practices.
• Partner with Risk & Compliance teams to identify, assess, and mitigate risks.
• Ensure adherence to governance frameworks including Product Notes, policies, limits, and ethical guidelines.

Governance

• Ensure compliance with all Group and treasury governance policies.
• Promote an environment where compliance with internal controls and external regulatory framework is honored and central focus area of the business across multiple markets.
• Engage with auditors when required to provide the required support.
• Display exemplary conduct values by living the Group’s values and Code of Conduct.
• Take personal responsibility by promoting the highest standard of ethics, including regulatory and business conduct across our footprint.
• Identify, escalate and resolve any risk, conduct and compliance matters working closely with the Treasury.

Talent Management

• Build a strong talent pipeline transparently, in line with diversity & inclusion KPIs and other KPIs in general with specific performance metrics on the Group values, Code of Conduct.
• Lead, mentor, and develop sales teams across traditional and digital channels.
• Build a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, innovation, and client‑centricity.
• Drive succession planning and talent development across the region.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in talent pipelines.

 Qualifications

 ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS  

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, or a closely related field.
• Master’s degree (MBA, MSc Finance, MSc Economics) – strongly preferred.
• ACI Dealing Certificate – mandatory.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS   

• Minimum of 10 years in financial services, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within Global Markets or Institutional Sales.
• Well‑established network within the African Financial Institutions (FI) sector, particularly in Kenya, with a strong, active client base across banks, insurers, pension funds, asset managers, and FinTechs.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage existing institutional relationships to originate business, drive revenue growth, and deepen strategic partnerships from day one.
• Proven track record working with African corporates and financial institutions, with strong understanding of regional market dynamics and regulatory environments.
• Advanced analytical and financial modelling skills, including expertise in Excel (financial models, pricing, sensitivity analysis) and PowerPoint (client pitches, investor presentations, transaction decks).
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and ability to operate in fast‑paced, multi‑country environments.

KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS & LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES 

Behavioral Framework:

• Strong understanding of Treasury policies, controls, and ethical requirements
• Effective communication and executive‑level influencing
• Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration across markets
• Cultural and regulatory awareness across African financial ecosystems
• Quality, timely decision‑making
• Strategic mindset with clarity of direction
• Ethical leadership, integrity, and accountability
• Courage, teamwork, and constructive challenge.
• Client‑centric orientation
• Action‑oriented and performance‑driven.

Technical Competencies

• Deep knowledge of financial products, global markets instruments, and market fundamentals
• Strong understanding of Treasury, FI products, Derivatives, FX, Fixed Income, and Structured Products
• Ability to structure and deliver complex solutions for institutional clients
• Negotiation, influencing, presentation, and pitching skills
• Strong financial analysis, modelling, and performance management capability
• Understanding of Recovery & Resolution Planning considerations for FIs
• Strong business acumen and project management capability
• Ability to manage ambiguity and drive execution
• Ability to develop talent and lead high‑performing teams
• Experience working with African corporates and financial institutions
• Strong client engagement, relationship management, and communication skills
• Ability to navigate diverse regulatory environments
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to scale new business lines
• Creativity, resilience, and ability to deliver under pressure. 
• Consistent delivery under pressure, with an entrepreneurial, goal‑oriented, and commercially driven approach.