Leading firms and individuals feted at Connected Banking Summit’s Innovation & Excellence Awards East Africa | aptantech

The Connected Banking Summit, an annual event conceptualized and organized by the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA), once again proved to be a cornerstone for the banking industry’s evolution with its 11th Edition Connected Banking Summit- Innovation & Excellence Awards East Africa 2024. The awards gala took place on March 6, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya. The gathering not only underscored the significance of digital transformation and financial inclusion but also celebrated the remarkable achievements within the banking sector, thanks to the support of partners and sponsors such as Kaspersky, Freshworks, TransUnion, and Access Bank. Highlighting the Pioneers of Banking Innovation The Innovation and Excellence Awards ceremony was a focal point of the summit, spotlighting the pioneering solutions and contributions of individuals and organizations in the banking industry. This accolade served to recognize those who have not only embraced the challenges of the digital age but have also paved the way for a more inclusive, efficient, and secure banking future. A Platform for Emerging Innovators In addition to celebrating established industry leaders, the summit provided a stage for emerging innovators through initiatives like the “Launchpad Exhibitors.” Startups including Tusenti and Benkiko showcased their groundbreaking solutions, demonstrating the summit’s commitment to fostering innovation across all levels of the banking ecosystem. Driving the Future of Banking The award winners, selected for their innovative approaches and contributions to the sector, exemplify the summit’s theme of “Crafting the Future of Banking with Inclusion & Digital Evolution.” Their achievements highlight the essential role of innovation in addressing the pressing challenges of today’s banking environment and setting new standards for excellence. The Innovation & Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievements across categories, with notable winners: – Excellence In Customer Responsiveness – Family Bank Excellence In Product Innovation – National Bank of Kenya Best Islamic Bank of The Year – Gulf African Bank Excellence In Payment Innovation – Access Bank (Kenya) Best SME Bank – Equity Bank Kenya Excellence In Product Marketing – KCB Bank Group (Kenya) Excellence In SME Finance – Co-Operative Bank of Kenya Excellence In Digital Banking – Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Excellence In Innovative Banking – Absa Bank Kenya Excellence In Financial Reporting – Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Excellence In Investment Banking – Stanbic Bank Kenya Excellence In Customer Experience – NCBA Bank Kenya Best Bank of The Year – UBA Kenya Bank Microfinance Bank of The Year – Kenya Women Microfinance Bank Microfinance CEO of The Year – Dennis Mombo, Mwananchi Credit Insurance CEO of The Year – Dr. Julius Kipng’etich, Jubilee Holdings Insurance Provider of The Year – Jubilee Holdings CEO of The Year – Kariuki Ngari, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya CTO of The Year – Moses Okundi, Absa Bank Kenya CISO of The Year – Thelma Kganakga, Equity Bank Kenya CDO of The Year – Hartnell Ndungi, Absa Bank Kenya COO of The year – Amrit Gayan, SBM Bank Kenya Digital Personality of The year – Mary Mulili, UBA Kenya Excellence In Financial Inclusion – Safaricom A Call to Action for Future Innovators The Connected Banking Summit not only serves as a platform to recognize excellence but also as a call to action for future innovators. As the banking industry continues to evolve, the summit encourages professionals and organizations to strive for innovation and excellence in their contributions to the sector. The summit provided a unique platform for networking, fostering collaborations among attendees, sponsors, and LaunchPad exhibitors, including Tusenti and Benkiko. ICSA plans to host the summit’s future editions in other cities including Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Johannesburg, South Africa; Manila, Philippines; Manama, Bahrain; Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Accra, Ghana the emphasis on innovation and excellence will undoubtedly remain a key focus.