SBM Bank Kenya Limited posted a Ksh12.4 million after tax profit for the first quarter of 2025, a significant turnaround from a loss of Ksh370 million for the same period in 2024. This marks the early success of SBM Bank’s ambitious transformation journey under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Bhartesh Shah, who joined in May 2024.
The bank reported a total assets position of Ksh102.9 billion, up from Ksh90.6 Billion in Q1 2024. SBM Banks’ customer deposit balances increased by 28% to Ksh72.2 billion, compared to Ksh56.5 billion in Q1 of 2024 underpinned by a focus on building stronger customer relationships.
Total operating income increased quarter on quarter from Ksh1.0 billion in Q1’2024 to Ksh1.3 billion in Q1 2025. Total operating expenses declined quarter on quarter by 5 % from Ksh1.38 billion in Q1’2024 to Ksh1.31 billion in Q1 2025.
The turnaround has been driven by a strategic focus on the mass affluent segment and local businesses, anchored on building stronger customer relationships, improving productivity, and enhancing operational efficiency. SBM Bank’s clear differentiation strategy emphasises exceptional service, innovative products, and strengthened digital capabilities — all underpinned by placing the right people with the right skills in the right roles.
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The bank’s core capital stood at Ksh8.0 billion well above the new CBK minimum of Ksh3.0 billion required by end of 2025. The banks’ capital adequacy ratio stood at 16.7% for the Q1 2025 against a minimum requirement of 14.5%. In addition, the bank recorded a liquidity ratio of 44.7% well above the minimum requirement of 20%.
“This performance is a testament to what can be achieved with clarity of purpose and relentless execution,” SBM Bank CEO Bhartesh Shah said. “Our turnaround signals a new era for SBM Bank — an era of bold ambition, customer-centric innovation, and operational excellence. We are building a future-ready bank that is faster, sharper, and deeply trusted by our customers.”
SBM Bank’s revitalised strategy has already begun to deliver tangible results, positioning it for continued growth as it accelerates its focus on Kenya’s mass affluent and entrepreneurial customer segments.
SBM Bank Kenya is a wholly owned subsidiary of SBM Group Holdings, established in Mauritius in 1973 and listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius. The Group operates in Mauritius, Kenya, India, and Madagascar with a total asset size of approximately Ksh1.2 trillion ($9.8 billion) as of December 2024.
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