Job Description
Equity Bank is seeking to recruit a highly experienced professional to serve as Country Head of Financial Institutions (FI) Sales l, Kenya, a senior role within its Treasury and Global Markets division.
The position is aimed at strengthening the bank’s engagement with institutional clients and expanding its presence in the financial markets across Africa.
Role Overview
The successful candidate will lead the strategy and execution of sales activities targeting financial institutions in Kenya and across the bank’s regional footprint. The role focuses on driving revenue growth, increasing market share, and strengthening the bank’s position in global markets.
In this position, the Country Head will work closely with a range of institutional clients, including banks, insurance companies, pension funds, asset managers, and fintech firms. The objective is to provide tailored financial solutions while building long-term partnerships that support the bank’s regional growth strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Strategy and Market Expansion
The role requires the development and implementation of a sales strategy targeting both financial and non-financial institutions. The selected candidate will spearhead initiatives aimed at boosting revenue and expanding the bank’s market presence across multiple African markets.
Client Relationship Management
A major responsibility will involve building and maintaining strong relationships with institutional clients such as banks, insurers, pension funds, and asset managers. The Country Head will also identify new opportunities to grow the bank’s financial institutions sales franchise across Africa.
The role includes delivering customized solutions across various financial products, including foreign exchange (FX), fixed income, derivatives, and structured products. Additionally, the successful candidate will promote cross-selling opportunities across the bank’s product portfolio while serving as a trusted advisor to key clients.
A deep understanding of African financial markets, regulatory frameworks, and cross-border business opportunities will be essential to effectively manage relationships and deliver value to clients.
Strategic Leadership and Collaboration
The Country Head will contribute to the overall Treasury strategy and ensure alignment with the bank’s regional growth priorities. The role will also involve working closely with product teams, operations, risk departments, and senior leadership to provide integrated solutions for institutional clients.
Collaboration with commercial directors and other senior executives will be critical in shaping FI sales strategies. The successful candidate may also represent the bank at industry forums and regulatory engagements in coordination with compliance and treasury teams.
Risk Management and Governance
Ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements across different jurisdictions will be a key part of the role. The candidate will be responsible for maintaining strong risk management practices, including market conduct, operational risk, and credit risk management.
The position also requires strict compliance with governance frameworks, internal policies, and ethical standards. The Country Head will work closely with risk and compliance teams to identify potential risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
Talent Development
Another important responsibility will be building and developing a high-performing sales team. The successful candidate will mentor staff, drive succession planning, and promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and client-focused service delivery.
The role will also focus on building diverse talent pipelines and ensuring alignment with the group’s diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives.
Skills and Leadership Competencies
Candidates must demonstrate strong knowledge of treasury policies, financial market instruments, and institutional sales strategies. The role requires excellent communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence stakeholders at the executive level.
Applicants should also possess strong financial analysis and modelling skills, negotiation and presentation abilities, and the capacity to manage complex transactions for institutional clients.
A solid understanding of treasury products such as derivatives, foreign exchange, fixed income, and structured products is essential. Experience navigating diverse regulatory environments within African financial markets will be an added advantage.
Experience Requirements
Applicants should have at least 10 years of experience in financial services, including five years in a senior leadership position within Global Markets or Institutional Sales.
The ideal candidate will also have an established network within the African financial institutions sector, particularly in Kenya, with active relationships across banks, insurers, pension funds, asset managers, and fintech companies.
A proven track record in business development, revenue generation, and strategic partnership building is essential. Experience working with African corporates and financial institutions, as well as operating in multi-country environments, will be highly valued.
Academic Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field. A Master’s degree such as an MBA or MSc in Finance or Economics will be an added advantage.
Additionally, the ACI Dealing Certificate is a mandatory requirement for the position.
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