Head of Debt & Syndications - Commercial at Equity Bank Kenya

• The Head of Debt & Syndications – Commercial provides strategic leadership in originating, structuring, executing, and syndicating debt solutions for large corporate and public sector clients. The role is central to advancing Equity Bank Kenya’s growth agenda by delivering scalable, balance-sheet-efficient financing while optimizing risk-adjusted returns. With a strong focus on complex transactions, the position strengthens the Bank’s capability to lead sophisticated debt mandates and manage risk effectively.
• The role positions Equity Bank as a trusted financial partner and lead arranger, offering thoughtful, client-centric solutions that support long-term value creation. By combining deep market insights, disciplined structuring and strong stakeholder engagement, the Head of Debt & Syndications - Commercial drives sustainable growth while reinforcing the Bank’s reputation for expertise, credibility and leadership in the debt capital markets.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and deliver a clear, forward-looking Debt & Syndications strategy for corporate and public sector institutions (PSI) clients in line with the Bank’s growth priorities.
• Partner with the Commercial Director to execute the broader Corporate Banking agenda and translate strategy into measurable outcomes.
• Build, mentor and lead a high-performing debt & syndications team with strong origination and execution capability.
• Drive effective collaboration across Coverage, Credit Risk, Treasury, Legal, and Regional Subsidiaries to ensure seamless delivery.

Origination & Client Advisory

• Originate and structure tailored financing solutions, including bilateral and syndicated loans, club deals and structured facilities.
• Act as a trusted senior advisor to large corporates, multinationals, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and government-linked entities.
• Advise clients on optimal capital structures, funding diversification strategies, appropriate pricing, tenor, and covenant frameworks.
• Support cross-border transactions across the Equity Group footprint.

Structuring & Execution

• Lead the end-to-end execution of complex debt transactions from mandate through to financial close.
• Structure a range of facilities including term loans and revolving credit facilities, infrastructure and project financings public sector institutions (PSI) and government-backed transactions.
• Lead negotiations on commercial and legal terms with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure timely execution in line with approvals, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.

Syndication & Distribution

• Develop and implement syndication strategies to manage single obligor and sector concentration limits, optimize balance sheet efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Local and international banks, development finance institutions (DFIs), multilateral lenders and export credit agencies (ECAs) where applicable.
• Position Equity Bank Kenya as a Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner of choice.

Credit, Risk & Governance

• Partner closely with Credit Risk to ensure robust underwriting and adherence to the Bank’s risk appetite.
• Participate in senior credit committees for large and complex exposures.
• Ensure full compliance with Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) regulations, internal credit policies and governance standards.

Financial Performance & Portfolio Management

• Deliver sustainable revenue growth across interest income arrangement, underwriting, agency and structuring fees.
• Monitor portfolio performance, concentration risks and early warning indicators.
• Support portfolio optimization initiatives to enhance capital efficiency and returns.

Market Development & Innovation

• Monitor market trends in syndicated lending and structured finance, infrastructure and public sector institutions (PSI) financing, sustainable and ESG-linked solutions.
• Design innovative financing structures aligned with the Bank’s development mandate and sustainability agenda.

Qualifications

Job Experience Requirement:

• 12–18+ years’ experience in corporate lending, syndications and structured / project finance.
• Strong track record in PSI, infrastructure and large corporate transactions.
• Experience working with DFIs and cross-border lenders is highly desirable.  

Academic & Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Business, or related field.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), MSc in Finance/Economics, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or equivalent qualification preferred.