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YUSUF OMARI
MANAGING PRINCIPAL AND CFO – ABSA BANK KENYA
In the fast-paced world of banking, where financial strategy, resilience, and innovation define success, Yusuf Omari, Managing Principal and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Absa Bank Kenya, stands out as a transformational leader. With over 26 years of experience in audit, finance, sustainability, and compliance, Yusuf is more than a finance executive; he is a forward-thinking strategist driving sustainable growth and financial innovation in Kenya’s banking sector.
As Managing Principal and CFO, Yusuf Omari has been instrumental in shaping Absa’s financial direction, championing operational efficiency, responsible growth, and long-term sustainability. His leadership style is defined by strategic foresight and a commitment to value creation – ensuring the bank not only grows but does so with purpose. “We believe in delivering sustainable value to our shareholders while ensuring financial inclusion and growth for our customers. Every number tells a story, and our job is to make sure it is a story of impact, resilience, and innovation,” he shared.
His leadership capabilities were put to the test when he was appointed Interim Managing Director (MD) of Absa Bank Kenya in November 2022 following the departure of Jeremy Awori. During his tenure, he provided strategic stability, ensuring that the bank continued on its growth trajectory. When Abdi Mohamed took over as Managing Director (MD) & CEO, Yusuf seamlessly resumed his role as CFO, once again steering Absa’s financial strategy with precision.
With Yusuf working closely under the leadership of Abdi and alongside fellow C-suite executives, Absa Bank Kenya delivered an impressive 28 percent surge in net profit to KES 20.9 billion in the 2024 financial year. According to the financial report released in mid-March 2025, this strong performance was driven by robust growth across both funded and non-funded income streams, supported by a solid increase in customer deposits, which reached KES 367 billion. The leadership team played a critical role in navigating macroeconomic volatility, diversifying revenue sources, and managing interest expense pressures. Notably, the bank disbursed KES 180 billion in new lending, channeling capital into key sectors such as manufacturing, trade, and renewable energy. Overall, the key performance indicators (KPIs) reflect Absa’s focus on sustainable growth and value creation, evidenced by the bank’s ability to maintain a 50 percent dividend payout while preserving capital for future strategic investments.
Beyond traditional finance, Yusuf is a passionate advocate for sustainability. Under his leadership, Absa has expanded its sustainable finance portfolio, aligning the bank with net-zero targets and responsible banking practices. He believes that sustainability is not just a corporate responsibility but a strategic necessity in modern finance. “A sustainable financial future is not a choice – it is an imperative. Our role as financial leaders is to ensure that our growth does not come at the expense of future generations,” he opines.
Yusuf’s journey to the top echelons of Kenya’s banking industry is one of discipline, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to financial governance. Before joining Absa, he was a senior auditor at KPMG Kenya, where he honed his expertise in audit, compliance, and financial analysis. He later served as Head of Compliance at KPMG Kenya, a role that solidified his reputation as a leading expert in financial governance.
Beyond his executive roles, Yusuf serves on the board of the University of Nairobi Enterprise Services and is a Director and Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and The Institute of Internal Auditors Kenya. His active participation in these organisations reflects his commitment to shaping the broader financial landscape.
Yusuf holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Strategy from Strathmore Business School (SBS). His academic background, coupled with real-world financial acumen, has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader. He frequently shares insights on platforms such as CNBC (Consumer News and Business Channel) Africa, CGTN (China Global Television Network), and industry conferences, offering perspectives on financial strategy, compliance, and sustainability in banking.
The essence of Yusuf Omari’s leadership lies in his ability to blend financial acumen with a forward-looking vision. Beyond managing numbers, he is shaping the future of finance in Kenya and beyond. His recognition as InstinctBusiness’ CFO of the Week in 2024 further underscores his influence in the industry.
As Kenya’s financial sector continues to evolve, Yusuf remains steadfast in his belief that resilience, innovation, and sustainability will define the next generation of banking. His leadership at Absa Bank Kenya is a masterclass in financial governance, positioning him as a top most impactful C-suite executive leading business with an edge.
As he aptly puts it, “Numbers are just the beginning. True financial leadership is about creating impact – one decision, one strategy, one innovation at a time.”
AUTHOR: DR. HANNINGTONE JOEL GAYA
EDITOR: KAREN NDUKU
