NCBA Bank has made history by becoming the first bank in East Africa to deploy Intellect’s cloud-based banking solution, a major step that cements its position as a leader in digital transformation within the region’s financial sector.
The bank on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, launched ConnectPlus, an upgraded transaction banking platform powered by Intellect’s eMACH.ai Wholesale Banking Cloud.
The platform is designed to deliver faster transaction processing, enhanced security, and improved digital experiences for corporate clients across Africa.
The new system allows NCBA’s corporate customers to enjoy quicker transactions, expanded payment options, advanced reporting tools, and efficient cash liquidity management.
The upgrade comes at a time when digital transformation is shaping the future of banking, with institutions racing to offer smarter, safer, and more convenient solutions.
Speaking during the launch, NCBA Kenya Managing Director James Gossip said the transformation marks a new chapter for the bank as it moves toward becoming the dominant player in corporate and SME banking.
“NCBA’s digitally enabled transaction banking suite is a major move towards becoming a dominant bank in Kenya that serves corporates and SMEs with a full array of products for all their local and international transaction banking needs,” Gossip said.
Adding;
“This supports the government’s Kenya Digital Economy initiative based on Kenya Vision 2030.”
He added that the upgraded system will deliver a more intuitive and modern experience, making digital banking simpler and more accessible even for clients with minimal technical expertise.
The platform’s advanced architecture is built on a cloud-native, composable system powered by microservices and open banking APIs, allowing NCBA to innovate and roll out new products faster than ever before. It also integrates services such as account management, payments, collections, liquidity, trade finance, and host-to-host connectivity for large enterprises.
On his part, iGTB Intellect CEO Manish Maakan hailed NCBA’s decision as a forward-thinking move that positions the bank ahead of its competitors in the region.
“eMACH.ai is transforming NCBA’s digital banking platform to develop cutting-edge offerings for SME and corporate clients,” Maakan said.
Adding;
“This will enable NCBA to differentiate itself from the market by staying a step ahead in catering to customers’ evolving needs.”
He noted that Intellect’s eMACH.ai Digital Transaction Banking platform is already trusted by more than 60 top banks globally, adding that Africa’s fast embrace of digital banking makes it one of the most promising markets for innovation.
“Africa is one of the fastest-growing markets embracing digital transformation, and we want to be there as the right partner taking African banks to the global stage,” Maakan added.
The launch of ConnectPlus is expected to give NCBA a major competitive edge by enabling it to roll out cash management products quickly and efficiently while boosting its revenue base.
The system’s ability to respond rapidly to client needs and configure products with ease will also help the bank attract more corporate customers.
“With Intellect’s deep wholesale banking expertise and regional experience, NCBA is marching ahead to provide customer gratification and achieve operational efficiency,” Gossip said.
“This project will ensure that NCBA becomes a distinguished bank known for superior customer experience.”
NCBA is among Kenya’s largest banks by asset size, with more than 100 branches and agency outlets across the country. It also has a strategic partnership with Kenya PostBank to enhance its cash collection services.
The bank continues to position itself as a technology-driven institution focused on delivering innovative financial solutions tailored to both local and international clients.
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