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MOEZZ MIR
CEO, SBM BANK
SBM Bank entered the financial services sector at the cusp of transformation in the banking landscape. Akin to the indomitable Kenyan spirit, the banking sector has for the last six decades been marked by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to positive change.
The SBM Group, headquartered in Mauritius, is a solid institution with a heritage spanning over 50 years. SBM Bank was set up in Kenya in 2017 and has presence in India and in Madagascar. The Bank entered the Kenyan market by way of acquisition of Fidelity Commercial Bank, and in 2018, acquired certain carved out assets and liabilities of Chase Bank in Receivership. Globally, the brand is anchored and led by an evolved purpose themed, ‘A Smarter tomorrow’ which speaks to digitisation, innovation, and customer centricity in its engagement with customers, stakeholders, and the community at large.
Moezz Mir has been recognised for his robust leadership that has set apart SBM Bank as a market leader in the financial services sector in Kenya. Moezz has overseen the successful establishment of SBM Bank in Kenya which has resulted in winning various accolades and the trust of existing and new customers. The confidence built through making available funds that had been in abeyance before the complex merger of the two entities, will be etched in the banking history as a win for the customer, and commitment of the banking fraternity to uphold customer trust.
Moezz is a deeply versed and highly proficient banker with a wealth of experience in corporate and investment banking in East Africa. Prior to joining SBM Bank Kenya, he worked at KCB Bank as the Director of Corporate Banking, and before assuming this role, he was the Managing Director (MD) at KCB Bank in Tanzania.
He has been recognised among the Top 25 Most Influential CEOs Impacting Business in 2023 by the Business Monthly EA. He was also nominated for the African Banker of The Year awards by the African Banker Magazine; a magazine which recognises the best individuals and institutions driving Africa’s fast changing financial services sector.
In February 2023, Moezz was appointed Chairperson of the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (KNEST), a pension scheme set up and licensed by the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) aimed at enhancing social security by extending pension coverage to the informal sector. Moezz’s leadership is anticipated to spur the growth of KNEST. This appointment is a nexus between his skillset and passion to serve and build a sustainable framework for every ordinary Kenyan to gain financial access even in their golden years.
Moezz is a Member of the Governing Council of the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) and has also served as a Member of the Governing Council of Tanzania Bankers Association (TBA). He is an active Member of the Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO).
His educational background and qualifications have complemented his leadership experience, allowing him to create an impact in the roles he has held over time. Moezz holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Honours) degree in Economics from Kingston University, London; a Higher National Diploma in Business and Finance from the Middlesex University London; and has attended the Global Executive Development Program (GEDP) from the Gordon Institute of Business Science, Pretoria, among various other Leadership Development Programs.
Some of the key wins for SBM Bank under Moezz’s stewardship include:
- Digi Summit 2023 Award: Excellence in Customer Experience Award;
- Finnovex East Africa 2023 Award: Excellence in Customer Experience Enhancement Award;
- Citibank 2021 and 2020 Performance Excellence Award, by Citi Treasury and Trade Solutions;
- Global Mark in recognition of excellence enterprise information technology adoption, by the Board and Management of CIO East Africa and CIO 100 Awards;
- Best Bank in Women Banking in Kenya, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 by the World Economic Magazine;
- 2nd position as best in promoting gender inclusivity at the Sustainable Finance Initiative (SFI) Catalyst Awards 2021;
- Winner: Affluent Usage Best Infinite Card, Usage Category: By Annual VISA Bankers Awards 2020;
- Winner: Market realignment through COVID-19: Online Response Category; What Women Want Campaign, by the Annual Marketing Society of Kenya Awards 2020.
Under Moezz’s leadership, SBM Bank has embarked on a journey to implement a strong ESG agenda focused on three pillars: which aim to support sustainable business, create a responsible organisation and enhance inclusive communities. These pillars touch on various goals that span the environment, empowerment, inclusion, financial growth, gender equality, among others.
Moezz is deeply passionate about women empowerment. With a focus on capacity-building initiatives that have been recognised with numerous accolades to support its positioning, SBM Bank has solidified its reputation as a catalyst for the emancipation of women. In 2019, Moezz on behalf of SBM Bank Kenya, signed the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPS), a global set of standards established by the UN Global Compact and UN Women, that provide businesses with guidance on how to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community.
As a Member of the UN Global Compact, SBM Bank fulfils a set of commitments on social responsibility and prudent business practices that uphold the interests of our community and customers.
Moezz dedicates his free time to mentoring young leaders and giving back to the community through various personal initiatives such as mentoring and coaching. As a father of young children, he is passionate about leaving a legacy, thus spends time nurturing them.
Moezz hopes to have a more indelible impact on conservation efforts in the coming years as it is important for leaders to take care of the planet as we move towards net-zero carbon emissions.
Aside from his work, Moezz is a collector of antiques, art, and timepieces. Closer home, Moezz enjoys spending time with family and cooking. He is often the volunteer Chef at any family or staff gathering, a duty he takes on with great enthusiasm.
Observing Moezz seamlessly transition from Chief Executive Officer to ‘Chef Executive Officer’ one can summarise his passion for cooking with a quote by Craig Claiborne, “Cooking is at once; child’s play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love.”
