#5
I & M BANK GROUP
A Regional Power House Driving Growth Through Customer-Centric Innovation
Consumer banking today must deliver flexibility, accessibility, and relevance to everyday needs. In today’s competitive banking sector, where digital transformation and customer expectations evolve rapidly, I&M Group has positioned itself as a forward‑thinking institution that blends modern financial solutions with strong client relationships. Known for its focus on tailored banking services, digital convenience, and enterprise support, I&M Group is reshaping how East Africans save, borrow, transact, and grow their financial footprint, delivering customer‑centric solutions and consistent value.
For instance, I&M’s retail banking suite covers a broad range of services designed to meet the needs of individuals and households. From transactional accounts and savings plans to personal loans and card services, the bank provides accessible financial tools that help consumers manage their everyday finances.
Whether customers are opening their first bank account, planning for major life events, or accessing credit for personal use, I&M’s products represent a holistic approach to consumer banking and designed with simplicity and convenience in mind.
This approach has helped the bank build strong relationships with customers who seek more than a financial provider — they want a partner who understands their goals.
As digital adoption accelerates, I&M has invested in technology platforms that bring banking services to customers’ fingertips. Through mobile and internet banking, clients can transfer funds, pay bills, check balances, and manage accounts anytime, from anywhere. Digital channels also simplify loan applications, card management, and customer support — reducing traditional barriers to access and improving the overall banking experience. Digital innovation ensures that customers spend less time in queues and more time achieving their financial goals through engagement in productive activities. 51% of total capital expenditure was spent on technology platforms, resulting in a 91% growth of the number of accounts opened digitally and 86% growth in digitally active customers. With each incremental improvement, the bank strengthens its digital footprint and expands financial access across demographically diverse customer segments.
Beyond individual customers, I&M has a strong focus on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) — a critical engine of any modern economy. The bank offers tailored business accounts, working capital financing, trade solutions, and asset financing products designed to help businesses scale, manage cash flow, and navigate growth challenges.
Entrepreneurs and business owners benefit from advisory services, dedicated business relationship managers, and solutions that link liquidity with opportunity, under the adage, “When SMEs succeed, communities and economies thrive.” By combining financial products with expert guidance, I&M helps enterprises navigate both expansion and operational complexity.
For larger enterprises and institutional clients, I&M provides specialized corporate banking services that include structured finance, project financing, treasury services, and trade facilitation. These products are designed to support capital‑intensive projects, cross‑border transactions, and sophisticated cash flow requirements. Through these solutions, the bank helps bridge financing gaps while enabling institutional clients to access global markets and structured financial tools. At this high end, I & M employees are guided by the mantra, “Corporate banking requires precision, trust, and agility — qualities that our clients value.”
Expanding financial inclusion remains a core priority across the regional banking landscape, and I&M plays a constructive role in reaching underserved segments. Through its digital channels, branch networks, and specialized products, the bank strives to bring formal financial services to those traditionally excluded from the banking system, as financial inclusion brings opportunity to every part of society. Whether through digital onboarding, flexible account options, or community outreach, the bank seeks to expand its reach beyond urban centres to broader populations.
I & M’s commitment is to deliver value that transcends transactions and builds lasting customer partnerships. In the increasingly competitive banking landscape, I&M has continued to distinguish itself through consistent financial performance and a strong focus on digital transformation.
I&M Group PLC boasts of operations spanning Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Mauritius, all boasting a total of 119 branches, 154 ATMs serving over 965,000 customers. 3% of the total operating expenses was invested in brands to ensure growth, marking a rise in brand awareness score from 20% in 2023 to 42 % by the end of 2025.
Among the Key 2025 Financial Highlights after the second year of the group’s iMara 3.0 Strategy (2024-2026) that clearly maps the group’s long-term ambition, are:
• Profit after tax: KSh 19.8 billion, representing an increase of over 22%
• Profit before tax: KSh 24.1 billion, an increase of slightly over 22%
• Total operating income increased by 18% to hit the KSh 60.3 billion mark
• Net interest income: Strong growth supported by loan book expansion of 7% to Ksh 306 billion
• Non-funded income: Significant contribution from fees and commissions
• Customer deposits: Continued growth across markets by 17% to reach Ksh 484 billion
These results highlight the group’s ability to sustain double-digit growth, supported by both core banking operations and regional diversification.
Consistent earnings growth reflects the strength of I&M’s diversified business model. A defining feature of I&M’s strategy is its regional footprint. Through subsidiaries in multiple African markets, the group has reduced reliance on any single economy while capturing growth opportunities across the region. This expansion has enabled the bank to:
• Diversify revenue streams
• Support cross-border trade and investment
• Serve multinational clients
• Strengthen its competitive positioning. Regional diversification is a critical driver of resilience and long-term growth.
I&M has built a strong reputation in corporate and SME banking, offering tailored financial solutions to businesses across sectors. Key offerings include:
• Trade finance and working capital solutions
• Asset financing
• Corporate lending
• Treasury and foreign exchange services.
The bank’s SME segment has also grown significantly, supported by:
• Customized financing solutions
• Digital banking tools
• Advisory services for business growth
Digital innovation continues to be a cornerstone of I&M’s growth strategy. The bank has invested heavily in technology to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Digital banking is redefining how financial institutions engage with customers. Key initiatives include:
• Upgraded mobile and internet banking platforms
• Digital onboarding and account opening
• Expansion of digital payments and transaction services
• Data-driven customer insights. These investments are enabling the bank to meet the needs of a younger, tech-savvy customer base while improving service delivery.
I&M’s 2025 performance reflects a balanced income structure, combining:
• Net interest income from lending activities
• Non-interest income from fees, commissions, and forex trading.
The group has also focused on improving efficiency through:
• Cost management initiatives
• Process automation
• Optimized capital allocation. This has resulted in improved profitability and stronger returns for shareholders. A diversified income base enhances resilience in changing economic conditions.
Maintaining asset quality remains a key priority for I&M. In 2025, the group continued to strengthen its risk management framework, focusing on:
• Prudent lending practices
• Active management of non-performing loans
• Sector diversification in the loan portfolio. These measures have helped the bank maintain stability despite macroeconomic pressures. Effective risk management is essential to sustaining growth in banking.
As the region’s banking industry is characterized by intense competition, with both local and international banks investing heavily in innovation and customer experience. Within this landscape, I&M differentiates itself through:
• Strong corporate banking capabilities
• Regional network and cross-border expertise
• Digital innovation and customer-focused solutions. This positioning allows the bank to compete effectively across multiple segments.
Looking ahead, I&M Group is expected to focus on:
• Deepening its regional presence
• Expanding digital banking capabilities
• Growing its SME and retail customer base
• Enhancing operational efficiency. The group’s strong capital position and consistent profitability provide a solid foundation for future growth. Banks that combine regional scale, innovation, and customer focus will lead the next phase of growth in Africa.
The 2025 financial results reinforce I&M’s position as one of East Africa’s leading banking groups. Through its commitment to innovation, regional expansion, and disciplined execution, the bank continues to deliver value to customers and shareholders alike. As the financial services sector evolves, I&M is well positioned to play a central role in shaping the future of banking across the region.
Sustainable success in banking lies in adaptability, innovation, and a deep understanding of customer needs.
In 2026, the third year of the iMara 3.0 Strategy, I & M Group is on your side.
