Bhartesh Shah, CEO of SBM Bank Kenya, was recently recognized in Business Monthly’s Top 25 CEOs of 2025. As a transformative leader with over two decades of experience in the financial sector, Shah has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to merge strategic thinking with a customer-centered approach. Under his leadership, SBM Bank Kenya has embraced a vision centered on operational efficiency, digital transformation, and strategic advancement.
A Foundation of Excellence
Shah holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Warwick Business School and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Banking and Finance from Loughborough University. He has also completed advanced data science courses at Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley.
Shah, equipped with a sharp analytical mind and technical expertise, entered the financial sector, quickly making a name for himself. His career includes notable roles at some of the world’s leading financial institutions:
- Midland Bank (Now HSBC): Shah began his journey in global finance, gaining experience in navigating complex banking landscapes.
- Citibank: Here, he established and grew the High Net worth Banking segment, increasing assets under management to over $300 million.
- Standard Chartered Bank: Shah spent over 11 years at Standard Chartered, holding several senior roles, including Head of Digital Banking Africa and Executive Director of Retail Banking, Kenya & East Africa. During his tenure, he grew revenues to $125 million annually and spearheaded digitization initiatives that enhanced client satisfaction and efficiency.
- Equity Bank Group: As Chief Operating Officer (COO), Shah was instrumental in executing the Equity 3.0 strategy, expanding the bank’s footprint to 15 African countries with a customer base exceeding 100 million. His efforts contributed to a 15% CAGR growth in profit before tax and a market valuation 40% above competitors.
- I&M Bank: Serving as Group Chief Operations Officer, Shah led the digitization of the group, creating new revenue streams, enhancing customer experiences, and developing a Shared Service Centre of Excellence.
Leading SBM Bank Kenya
Shah, since taking the reins at SBM Bank Kenya in May 2024, has spearheaded a transformation aimed at positioning the bank as a leader in digital banking. His strategy focuses on innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.
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Notable achievements under his leadership include:
- Introduction of the Platinum Saver Account: This product, available in USD and KES, offers benchmark-setting interest rates and has been widely adopted by customers.
- Mobile Banking Advancements: The ability to trade in multiple currencies via the bank’s mobile app has enhanced accessibility and convenience for clients.
- Cross-Border Trade Solutions: Leveraging SBM Bank’s presence in India, Mauritius, and Madagascar, Shah has strengthened the bank’s role in supporting regional trade.
These efforts have not only elevated the bank’s value proposition but have also solidified its reputation as a formidable player in Kenya’s financial landscape.