Skip to content
Entrepreneur's Corner

Why Having An Account With NCBA As An Entrepreneur Matters The Most

BY Soko Directory Team · July 22, 2024 07:07 am

The Kenyan financial headache with the money when you had a headache all night, market is a landscape where many banks have struggled to maintain or grow their high-balance accounts, NCBA Bank Kenya Ltd has emerged as a remarkable success story.

According to recent data from the Central Bank of Kenya, NCBA experienced an extraordinary 184% increase in the number of deposit accounts exceeding KSH 500,000, soaring from 146,396 in 2022 to 416,481 in 2023.

This leap is not just impressive in percentage terms; it positions NCBA as a significant outlier in a sector otherwise marked by contraction and stagnation.

The broader context of the Kenyan banking sector in 2023 has been one of substantial challenge. The data reveals a sector-wide 40% decline in high-value deposit accounts, with the total number falling from 1,847,077 in 2022 to 1,110,232 in 2023. This trend reflects broader economic pressures, including high inflation, fluctuating interest rates, and a turbulent global economic environment. Against this backdrop, NCBA’s growth appears even more extraordinary and warrants a closer examination.

Read Also: CFAO Mobility Kenya And NCBA Unveil Beauty Meets The Bonnet To Support Women Car Enthusiasts

One key factor behind NCBA’s robust performance is its strategic focus on digital banking and financial technology. The bank has invested heavily in its digital infrastructure, making it easier for customers to open and manage accounts online. This move has not only attracted tech-savvy millennials but also appealed to the broader customer base that values convenience and accessibility. The result has been a significant inflow of deposits as more customers find it easier to bank with NCBA.

NCBA

Read Also: NCBA Completes 100% Acquisition Of AIG Kenya

Moreover, NCBA’s innovative product offerings have played a crucial role in its growth. The bank has tailored its services to meet the needs of various customer segments, from high-net-worth individuals to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Its range of savings and investment products offers competitive returns, which have been particularly attractive in a low-interest-rate environment. These products have not only retained existing customers but also attracted new ones seeking better returns on their investments.

Another critical element in NCBA’s strategy has been its commitment to financial inclusion. The bank has actively sought to bring more unbanked and underbanked individuals into the formal financial system. Through partnerships with mobile money operators and fintech firms, NCBA has extended its reach into rural and underserved areas. This strategy has not only contributed to the bank’s deposit growth but also aligned it with national development goals, enhancing its reputation and trust among the public.

In stark contrast, many of NCBA’s competitors have faced declining fortunes. Equity Bank Kenya Ltd, for instance, saw a dramatic 70% reduction in high-balance accounts, dropping from 419,736 in 2022 to 124,098 in 2023. This significant contraction underscores the competitive pressures and challenges in the sector, highlighting NCBA’s achievement as particularly noteworthy.

The data also reveals that NCBA’s nearest competitors in terms of high-balance accounts—KCB Bank Kenya Ltd and Co-operative Bank of Kenya Ltd—experienced declines of 66% and 69%, respectively. These figures suggest that NCBA’s strategies have not only helped it retain its customer base but also attract customers from other banks. This competitive edge could position NCBA for continued growth in the coming years, provided it can maintain its strategic advantages.

Looking forward, NCBA faces the challenge of sustaining this growth momentum in a potentially more competitive and regulated environment. The Central Bank of Kenya’s ongoing reforms and the potential for new entrants in the banking sector could introduce new dynamics. However, if NCBA continues to innovate and adapt, it is well-placed to remain a leader in the sector.

NCBA Bank stands out as the premier choice for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to open accounts, thanks to its strategic focus on digital banking and innovative financial products. The bank’s investment in robust digital infrastructure ensures seamless, convenient banking experiences, making it easy to manage finances on the go. Furthermore, NCBA offers a diverse range of tailored savings and investment products designed to meet the unique needs of businesses, from competitive returns on deposits to specialized services for SMEs. This commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions positions NCBA as the go-to bank for entrepreneurs seeking reliable, efficient, and growth-oriented banking partnerships.

In essence, NCBA Bank Kenya Ltd’s 184% growth in high-balance accounts amidst a sector-wide decline is a testament to its strategic acumen and operational excellence. Its focus on digital banking, innovative products, and financial inclusion has not only driven deposit growth but also set it apart as a resilient and forward-thinking institution in Kenya’s banking landscape. As the bank navigates future challenges, its recent performance provides a strong foundation for continued success.

Read Also: Three Lucky NCBA Visa Cardholders Off To Paris For Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience

Soko Directory is a Financial and Markets digital portal that tracks brands, listed firms on the NSE, SMEs and trend setters in the markets eco-system. Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/SokoDirectory and on Twitter: twitter.com/SokoDirectory

Trending Stories
Related Articles
Explore Soko Directory
Soko Directory Archives