Exemplary show by banks

Four commercial banks have made the country proud by being ranked among the world’s top-performing financial institutions. They have made the inaugural Forbes Top Performing Banks 2026 List.

Equity Group Holdings was Kenya’s highest ranked institution. It came 71st globally in the mid-sized category, followed by the KCB Group in the 79th position in the tier-five mid-sized banks category. The Co-operative Bank was ranked 120th in the tier-six small banks category, and Stanbic Holdings, 138th.

Some 500 banks from 89 countries were assessed for this list, which is different from the existing Forbes’ ‘World’s Best Banks’. In this new one, the lenders were assessed for financial performance rather than customer surveys.

Profitability carried the highest weighting at 30 per cent, with growth and earnings quality at 20 per cent. Capital and Funding Resilience made up 25 per cent, and Asset Quality and Efficiency, the remaining 25 per cent.

Equity reported a 32 per cent increase in net profit to Sh45.5 billion for the six months to June 30. KCB reported a 14.2 per cent increase in its half-year net profit to Sh36 billion. Singapore’s OCBC Bank and DBS Group occupied the first two positions in the largest bank category.

An efficient banking industry drives national development by channelling capital into key sectors. Commercial banks are pivotal in boosting government revenue. They fuel commerce and construction, which account for 54 per cent of new net credit to drive expansion.

The banking sector holds assets worth Sh7.7 trillion, supporting economic stability. Banks subscribe to government infrastructure bonds, financing public works and development. According to the Kenya Bankers Association, banks contributed Sh194.81 billion to the National Treasury, or eight per cent of total government tax receipts.

The global recognition of Kenyan banks' performance is a great honour that should not just be celebrated but also used to inspire greater success.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.