SBM Bank Touts Local Decision-Making and State-Backed Stability to Boost Customer Confidence
By Editorial Team
MOMBASA, June 19, 2026 — SBM Bank Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to fast, customer-focused banking, assuring clients that all key decisions are made locally while drawing strength from the financial backing of the Government of Mauritius.
Speaking during a customer appreciation cocktail for the bank’s Mombasa clients at Tamarind Village, SBM Bank Kenya Chief Executive Officer Bhartesh Shah said the lender’s ability to make decisions within Kenya gives it a competitive edge in serving customers quickly and efficiently.
Shah said many customers, particularly new ones, are often unfamiliar with the bank’s ownership structure and financial foundation. He explained that SBM Bank Kenya is part of SBM Holdings, a company listed on the Mauritius Stock Exchange, with the Government of Mauritius as its largest shareholder.
The CEO said the ownership structure provides customers with confidence in the bank’s long-term stability at a time when safety and security remain key concerns for depositors and investors.
“Many Kenyans have experienced challenges with financial institutions in the past, so safety and security are always important considerations. We want our customers to know that they are dealing with a strong institution backed by a highly rated financial group,” Shah said.
At the same time, he emphasized that SBM Bank Kenya remains firmly rooted in the local market, with all major decisions handled within the country.
“What we pride ourselves on is our flexibility and quick decision-making. Every decision is made in Kenya. Nothing goes out for approval,” he said.
According to Shah, this localized approach enables the bank to respond faster to customer needs and provide tailored solutions for businesses and individuals across the country.
He noted that while many financial institutions operate through lengthy approval processes, SBM’s decision-making model allows it to remain agile and responsive in an increasingly competitive banking environment.
Beyond highlighting the bank’s stability and operational model, Shah also pointed to several products that continue to attract customers. These include the Platinum Saver account, which offers competitive returns on both Kenya shilling and dollar deposits, and insurance premium financing solutions that he said rank among the most affordable in the market.
Additionally, our Pesalink service on Mfukoni mobile and online is free of charge for transactions below Kes 1 Million. ATM withdrawals are also free worldwide. These are geared towards supporting individuals and businesses save on transaction fees.
However, he stressed that the evening was not designed as a sales event but rather as an opportunity to strengthen relationships with customers and better understand their expectations.
“We are not here to sell anything. We are here to get to know our customers better and for them to get to know the bank better,” he said.
Shah added that SBM regularly holds similar engagements across the country to deepen customer relationships and gather feedback that helps improve service delivery.
The event brought together both long-serving and new customers, creating an informal platform for interaction with the bank’s leadership team.
As competition intensifies in Kenya’s banking sector, SBM Bank is banking on a combination of state-backed financial strength, local decision-making, and closer customer engagement to position itself as a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike.
