Silas Mutuku MCSI

In a recent conversation with CNBC Africa’s Fifi Peters, our Equities Portfolio Manager, Daniel Masvosvere, CFA, unpacked the performance of South Africa’s major banks in the H1’2025 earnings season.   From Absa’s turnaround story and resilient balance sheets to the outlook for dividend yields and Pan-African growth, Daniel explored the forces shaping the sector and what they mean for investors navigating a low-growth environment.   Watch the full discussion below.

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Standard Chartered Bank Kenya has issued a profit warning, citing weaker earnings and the looming cost of a multibillion-shilling pension settlement. The bank said it expects its net profit for 2025 to fall at least 25% below 2024 levels due to the impact of the Retirement Benefits Appeals Tribunal (RBAT) ruling. In a notice signed by Board Chairperson Kellen Kariuki, the bank said the pension payments will raise operating costs under IAS 19 Employee Benefits, which requires recognition of past service costs. In its 2024 annual report, Stanchart disclosed several contingent liabilities under legal and regulatory matters, including the RBAT pension case. https://lnkd.in/dU3_QuTe

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DIB Bank Kenya Ltd has officially appointed Samir Gupta as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, marking a significant leadership transition for the institution. With over three decades of leadership experience across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, Samir brings an extensive track record of building, scaling, and transforming banking businesses across some of the world’s most dynamic markets. His expertise spans Corporate Banking, Transaction Services, SMEs, and Consumer Banking, with a focus on delivering sustainable growth and profitability while upholding strong governance principles. Samir’s career has seen him serve in leadership roles at globally recognized financial institutions including Citi, Standard Chartered, Mashreq Bank, DOHA BANK, and Hakbah هكبه. At Citibank India, he was part of the founding SME Banking team before expanding his leadership to cover Financial Institutions across East and Southern Africa. His tenure at Standard Chartered as Head of Banks Segment – Africa underscored his ability to grow revenues and diversify product portfolios. At Mashreq, he managed a $7B risk asset portfolio, and later at Doha Bank, he spearheaded international growth and transformation. His most recent role before DIB Bank Kenya was at Hakbah, a Saudi fintech, where he served as CFO, strengthening governance, funding, and operational resilience. In addition to his vast professional experience, Samir’s academic foundation is equally strong. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and International Business from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Stephen's College, Delhi. His early education at Mayo College, Ajmer, coupled with continuous learning and international exposure, has equipped him with the skills to navigate complex markets while driving innovation. His leadership style is built on emotional intelligence, cultural agility, and mentorship, enabling him to build high-performing multicultural teams across diverse geographies. As he takes over at DIB Bank Kenya, Samir Gupta is set to lead the institution’s strategic, operational, and cultural transformation, aligning Shariah-compliant banking principles with innovative, customer-centric financial solutions. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the bank seeks to expand its market footprint, strengthen governance, and enhance digital transformation. The combination of his global experience, deep sector expertise, and proven record of business growth positions him to steer DIB Bank Kenya towards a stronger, more competitive future in the financial services sector. #DIBBankKenya #Leadership #BankingTransformation #SamirGupta #FinancialServices #ShariahBanking #KenyaBanking #GlobalLeadership #BankingInnovation #SustainableGrowth https://lnkd.in/d8YExcRt

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Neo Group, an independent wealth and asset management platforms, has appointed industry veteran Shajikumar Devakar to its senior leadership team, signaling an ambitious new phase of growth as it eyes global expansion and deeper domestic consolidation. Devakar, who brings more than two decades of experience in private banking, joins as the CEO at Neo Wealth & Asset Management starting 14 May 2025. Read the full story here:👇 https://lnkd.in/dZcudrU3 #wealth #management #asset #leadership #company #startup #indianstartupnews

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The Equities market sustained positive momentum today, as the ASI grew by 0.21% to 140,665.85 points with market cap closing at N89tn, and the Fixed Income market sustained at N50.53tn, while ETPs eased by 0.02%. #NGXTradingstatistics

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Absa Bank Uganda, an arm of the pan-African banking group led by Kenny Fihla, has reached an agreement to acquire Standard Chartered Uganda’s retail and wealth management units, a move set to expand Absa’s presence and retail reach in East Africa. The deal, which awaits regulatory approval, will see all Standard Chartered’s retail and wealth clients, along with staff, transition to Absa. Both banks have pledged a smooth process for customers and employees. Absa says the acquisition aligns with its strategy to strengthen its pan-African footprint and enhance value for clients. Managing Director David Wandera described it as “a significant milestone” in Absa Uganda’s growth journey, reaffirming the bank’s long-term commitment to Uganda’s economic development. For Standard Chartered, the sale reflects its global strategy to streamline operations and focus on key segments where it maintains a competitive edge. 💬 Check the comments for the full story!

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Absa Bank Set to Acquire Standard Chartered’s Retail and Wealth Business in Uganda Absa Bank Uganda has entered into an agreement to acquire the Wealth and Retail Banking (WRB) business of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda. The acquisition, announced in Kampala, follows Standard Chartered’s earlier decision to divest its retail banking operations in select African markets. Read the full story:  https://lnkd.in/dVdk_i-U

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Bank of Kigali Plc Group posted an 8.6% rise in H1 2025 net profit, powered by disciplined cost management and lower funding costs. Head of finance Ntiranyibagirwa Ange Bsc,Msc, Acca says the next phase is about sustaining momentum through sharper execution and a stronger balance sheet. "We are working on executing effectively on all the business lines to ensure that we close the year with a strong performance," he says. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dhX_XCQV

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