SBM Bank Kenya Adopts Mastercard to Accelerate Payments Innovation
Nairobi, Kenya, 11th November 2025: SBM Bank Kenya has today announced its intended collaboration with Mastercard to accelerate payment innovation.
The collaboration between SBM Bank Kenya and Mastercard aims to bring enhanced global acceptance, advanced security and exclusive cardholder benefits, empowering SBM customers to transact seamlessly in Kenya’s fast-paced digital economy.
Bhartesh Shah, CEO of SBM Bank Kenya (left), and Mark Elliott, Division President, Africa at Mastercard (right), pictured at the renewal of the partnership in August 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Speaking at the launch event, SBM Bank Kenya CEO Bhartesh Shah said, “This transition is more than a technology upgrade; it reflects our strategy to deliver superior customer experiences while driving sustainable growth for the bank.”
Bhartesh added, “As we innovate around customer needs, such a collaboration enables us to offer world-class solutions that not only enhance convenience and security but also position the bank as a leading player in Kenya’s evolving financial landscape.”
The new Mastercard offering will feature tap-to-pay capabilities, integration with digital wallets, travel insurance, lifestyle perks and enhanced fraud protection - all designed to provide a smarter, safer and more rewarding payment experience. Through this collaboration, customers will also benefit from Mastercard’s global footprint and innovations in digital payments.
“We are proud to collaborate with SBM Bank Kenya in this important journey,” said Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager, East Africa & Indian Ocean Islands, Mastercard, “Our shared vision is to empower customers with products and solutions that make everyday transactions seamless, extremely secure, and rewarding. With SBM Bank’s customer-first approach and Mastercard’s global expertise, we are unlocking new opportunities for financial inclusion and digital transformation.”
The transition to accelerate use of Mastercard-branded cards has already commenced, with SBM rolling out the upgrade in phases to its customers in the coming months. With this rollout, customers will enjoy a seamless, automatic upgrade to Mastercard, ensuring uninterrupted access to banking services while unlocking new features, enhanced security, and exclusive benefits, without any additional steps on their part.
The move comes at a time of strong financial performance for SBM Bank Kenya, which reported a profit after tax of KSh 202 million in the first half of this year—a significant turnaround from a loss of KSh 943.1 million over the same period last year. The strategic collaboration with Mastercard underscores the Bank’s commitment to sustaining this growth trajectory by delivering innovative, customer-focused solutions that drive value and profitability.
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About SBM Bank (Kenya) Limited
SBM Bank Kenya, part of the SBM Group headquartered in Mauritius, is a trusted financial institution with a 50-year heritage rooted in stability and excellence. Since its entry into the Kenyan market in 2017, the bank has established a robust presence with over 30 branches, an expansive ATM network, mobile and online banking, extensive agency services, and a 24-hour contact centre. Serving Retail, SME, and Corporate clients, SBM Bank Kenya leverages its global expertise and local knowledge to provide an unparalleled banking experience, upholding values of transparency, integrity, and excellence.
SBM Contacts: atyourservice@sbmbank.co.ke Tel: +254-709-800-000/254-730-175-000
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
Mastercard communications contact: Kanyi.Mwangi@mastercard.com
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