I&M Bank has won two awards at the TAB Global Asian Banker Africa Awards 2026, earning recognition for its retail banking services and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya.
The bank was named Best Retail Bank in Kenya and Best SME Bank in Kenya during a virtual awards ceremony held on October 29, 2026. The awards recognise financial institutions for their performance, customer services, innovation and achievements across retail, SME and digital banking.
“We are deeply honoured by this recognition from TAB Global. I would like to sincerely thank our colleagues for their continued dedication and hard work, which is at the heart of everything we achieve,” said Shameer Patel I&M Bank’s Director of Retail and Business Banking.
He credited the achievement to the institution’s employees and customers, saying their contribution had helped the bank advance its services. He also thanked customers for their continued confidence in the bank, adding that the recognition would encourage the institution to develop services that help individuals and businesses grow.
I&M has expands its customer base and increases the use of digital services. The bank served approximately 600,000 retail customers in 2025 after adding more than 170,000 new customers during the year. Of the new customers, 69 per cent opened accounts digitally through electronic know-your-customer (e-KYC) processes. Digital activity among retail customers reached 99.8 per cent, while the bank opened 10 additional branches to strengthen its physical presence alongside its online services.
Its retail banking products include short-term digital loans, buy now, pay later services, workplace banking, salary advances and asset financing, targeting customers with different financial needs. The bank also recorded growth in its SME business. It served 76,994 small and medium-sized enterprises in 2025, adding more than 41,000 customers during the year. Digital activity among SME customers reached 99.6 per cent as the bank expanded financing and payment solutions for businesses.
The Best SME Bank award highlights the institution’s efforts to provide businesses with banking services that support everyday transactions and financial needs. The latest awards add to other recognition received by I&M Bank Kenya in 2026. Earlier in the year, the bank received awards for digital banking services, retail banking growth and corporate social responsibility at the Global Banking and Finance Awards.
The recognitions reflect its continued focus on digital innovation, customer experience, business financing and community initiatives as it seeks to strengthen its relationship with customers across Kenya.