Equity Group Holdings has been ranked among Africa’s top 10 banks by brand value in the 2026 Brand Finance Banking 500 report, marking a significant milestone for the Kenyan lender as it cements its position among the continent’s most influential financial institutions.
The Nairobi-headquartered bank now sits alongside established giants from South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt, a space long dominated by institutions such as Standard Bank, First National Bank, Absa Group, Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Holding Company and the National Bank of Egypt.
Its rise into this tier reflects both strong financial performance and a deliberate regional expansion strategy. The group posted a net profit of Ksh 75 billion for the year ended December 2025, with subsidiaries in markets such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda continuing to drive growth.
Brand strength and consistency
Beyond brand value, Equity remains one of the strongest banking brands globally.
The lender ranked sixth worldwide in brand strength, posting a Brand Strength Index (BSI) of 93.9 and retaining the top-tier AAA+ rating. It has now maintained a place among the world’s strongest banking brands for four consecutive years, underlining consistency in performance.
“Equity Bank’s valuation isn’t just about its balance sheet; it’s about its AAA+ rating, which means it has the highest level of consumer trust and ‘future-proof’ stability compared to any other brand in the region,” the Brand Finance report states.
This steady performance builds on earlier gains. In 2024, the bank rose to second position globally among the strongest banking brands with a BSI score of 92.5 out of 100, and the latest score shows a further, albeit marginal, improvement.
Brand Finance attributes this resilience to Equity’s “Bank of the People” positioning, supported by strong customer relationships and sustained investment in digital banking.
“Customers are looking for guarantees that they can proceed with full reassurance. Other key drivers include ease of use, excellent website and apps, and great customer service,” the report adds.
Kenya’s banking sector and global outlook
The report also highlights the growing dominance of banks within Kenya’s corporate landscape, with lenders accounting for more than 55 per cent of the total brand value in the Kenya 25 ranking.
KCB Group maintained a strong global presence, ranking ninth among the world’s strongest banking brands despite a dip in brand value, while other local players, such as Co-operative Bank of Kenya, NCBA Group, and I&M Group, also featured.
Safaricom remained one of Kenya’s most valuable brands, although its growth slowed amid heavy investment in its Ethiopia expansion. Its mobile money platform, M-Pesa, continued to grow strongly, reflecting the rapid shift toward digital financial services.
Globally, Chinese and American lenders continue to dominate by brand value. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China retained the top position, followed by China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China and JPMorgan Chase.
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