Vacancies 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.

go to method of application »

To provide strategic leadership in business development in line with bank’s overall strategy. The role responsible in leading the Credit Risk Manager, Relationship Manager -Business, and the Operations & Service Managers in meeting business developments strategic targets and responsible in establishing and maintaining key relationships with stake holders in the achievement of the Bank’s strategic goals. 

Active member of the Banks leadership, contributing to strategic, long, medium- and short-term plans aimed at achieving the bank and departmental objectives. Communicate and articulate the business strategy of the Bank to all stakeholders and keep staff engaged and focused on the business developments goals.

Key Accountabilities: 

Financial Management  

• Spearhead the development of the annual and quarterly financial plans and budgets for the branch.  
• Direct the Branch's overall effort in growing business in optimum proportions to achieve set targets.  
• Develop and deepen relationships with existing and potential customers. Identify and disseminate market opportunities and information to guide business development efforts and product development.  
• Conduct regular business visits both to clients of the Bank, prospects and branch/affiliates of the Bank.  
• Maintain a sustainable, profitable and high-quality balance sheet.  
• Cost management –enforce cost optimization of the resources.  
• Continuously review business case for all products and the branch to ensure that all products and Sectors/Segments contribute positively to the strategic goals of the Bank.  

Market & Customer Service  

• Act as the Banks's brand ambassador.  
• Participate in development & execution of strategies that build the Equity brand and endear it to its chosen markets.  
•  Position Equity Bank Kenya as a preferred Bank.  
•  Ensure full adherence to the Bank’s customer service chatter.  
• Increase market share in line with strategic ambitions and in a profitable, ethical, and sustainable manner.  

Audit Risk & Compliance  

• Custodian and enforcement of policies and procedures from regulatory authorities, Equity bank and other stakeholders.  
• Put in place effective Business Continuity plan  
• Ensure audit and risk rating for the business unit improves and is within set thresholds as per the key performance indicators communicated sometimes.  
• Communicate and articulate the Bank’s risk and control environment to the unit staff and ensure good appreciation of the same   

People Management  

• Maintain the appropriate number and caliber human resource to deliver exceptional service, achieve targets and maximize the business' efficiency and effectiveness.  
• Manage succession at all levels and strive to have competent successors for every key position in the branch with the aim of efficient business continuity and cost management.  
• Mentor and coach staff to build their capacity to perform the roles assigned to them.   
• Provide career guidance and avail learning opportunities and assignments to enhance engagement and career progression.  
• Maintain high morale and motivated staff in the branch  
• Set performance expectations and conduct performance management evaluations promptly to ensure superior performance levels are maintained.  
• Adhere to HR policies in the management of employees.  

Performance & Reporting  

• Optimize the use of the Bank’s Management Information System for staff performance management.  
• Ensure optimum segmentation of the Bank’s client database and targeted marketing on the various business segments.  
• Ensure data integrity is maintained regarding the database management and adequate assignment of clientele to business units and to relationship managers/Officers.  
• Submission of relevant and timely reports to the various key stakeholders to aid in decision making. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience 

• Holder of a degree (business related preferably) from a recognized University will be desired) or its equivalent with 7 years’ experience in a managerial function
• Holder of banking professional qualifications such as ACIB or AKIB and working experience in a multicultural environment will have an added advantage
• Over 12 years working experience at Financial Service industry (Banking), with prior experience in both Branch operations and credit having served in the current role for more than 5 years