Equity Group Holdings is moving to separate its fast-growing digital business from its core banking operations, in a strategic shift aimed at strengthening its position in Africa’s fintech space.
The Group plans to establish a new, standalone company by the second half of 2026, which will take over all its digital financial services. These include products currently managed under its Finserve unit, such as Equitel.
The move underscores Equity’s transition from traditional banking towards a technology-driven financial services model. By spinning off the digital unit, the Group aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and unlock the full value of its rapidly expanding fintech platforms.
The new entity will be led by Technology Managing Director Sarah Kabira and supported by a team of global tech professionals, including Eve Ngigi, John Kamara and Johnny Falla, bringing experience from leading international firms.
Speaking in Nairobi during the release of the Group’s 2025 financial results, CEO James Mwangi described the spin-off as a key pillar of Equity’s long-term strategy. He noted that the Group is investing heavily in advanced digital systems and artificial intelligence to expand its customer base, lower service delivery costs, and increase access to financial services.
The planned separation also aligns with Equity’s broader 2030 strategy, which targets expansion into 15 countries and aims to serve up to 100 million customers. The Group is repositioning itself as a platform that connects businesses, capital, and markets across Africa.
Equity enters this transition from a position of financial strength. Net profit rose significantly to KSh75.5 billion (about $580 million) in 2025, up from KSh48.8 billion the previous year, while total assets grew to KSh1.97 trillion.
Regional subsidiaries are increasingly driving this growth, contributing more than half of profit before tax. With operations across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Group is leveraging its digital platforms to facilitate cross-border trade and support small businesses in accessing new markets.
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