Showing posts with label NIC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NIC. Show all posts

Thursday, July 24, 2014

New Credit Cards from NIC and Equity banks

This week, NIC Bank launched a platinum credit card and Equity Bank formally announced their expanded their impressive card portfolio that now includes American Express

The NIC Bank Visa Platinum credit will be offered to a select few clients like professionals, senior government employees, business leaders, and entrepreneurs. The card comes with a variety of privileges in terms of shopping discounts, priority pass access to 600 VIP airport lounges in 100 countries (with complimentary snacks, free internet at many, and card holders can bring in companions), a portfolio relationship manager, and purchase protection for 90 days. 

For frequent travelers around the world, it also provides useful facilitation in emergencies like payment of hospital deposits of up to $2500,  and arranges for emergency evacuation, legal advice, transport of companions or children.  

The annual fee is Kshs 6,000 (~$70) and there is no joining fee. NIC will also have a rights issue and a bond issue that shareholders will kick-off next week at an EGM.


Equity Bank is signing up merchants to accept American Express cards - for which they are the exclusive card issuer in Kenya. They have already signed on Nakumatt,  ArtCaffé, Heritage Hotels, Best Westernm Laico Regency, Leopard Beach, Boma and some other hotels.

Speaking when he confirmed the development, Equity Bank Managing Director, James Mwangi, said the bank is now a partner for American Express, Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Google, China Union Pay, SWIFT, JCB, VFX (Equity Direct) and Diners Club.

As per Central Bank stats, Kenya had about 162,000 locally issued credit cards as at February 2014, compared to 114,000, three years ago.

Thursday, April 03, 2014

NIC Bank Move to Now

Ten years after NIC pioneered a revolutionary flat fee banking model, they have now launched Move To Now a banking model that makes time consuming banking experiences more convenient for any customer who can use a computer or smart device. This is represented in faster decision making, likes asset finance loan approval decisions which NIC delivers within 12 hours of application that can also be placed at various local vehicle dealers.

At an event this week, the Group Managing Director and his team highlighted four of the features of MovetoNow  including online account opening, online banking, a mobile app and online cheque deposits  - all of which can be done without having to visit a bank branch, whether for existing or new customers. 

Notably the accounts are in two types;  one being a transactional (pay as you go) model that charges Kshs 30/= per activity done by a customer, or a flat fee of Kshs 800 ($9.41) per month for a bouquet of products. The NIC app has all the features of the online platform as well as others like traffic cameras, movie listings, and the ability to make KRA enquiries and payments.

At the launch of M-Shwari in 2012, the then Immigration Minister spoke of an online platform that banks could access to immediately confirm identities of citizen identity/registration documents and this seems to be what has enabled banks to offer account opening verification by phone.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Succession Talk

There has been a lot about succession in the news today:

• Legendary investor Warren Buffet outlined his succession plan for his company and shareholders.
• Also, legendary World Cup match match predictor, Paul the octopus (and beloved by gamblers anonymous), died in his sleep in Germany, without leaving a successor.
• NIC Bank held a succession planning clinic for its customers and entrepreneurs
• This is also the week in which retiring Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph is being feted every other day somewhere in Nairobi while his successor Bob Collymore waits in the wings.
• And at Equity Bank, CEO James Mwangi, finally addressed and put to rest the matter of his succession. Announcing the banks Q3 results (with group asset of Kshs 136 billion ($1.6 billion) and profits of Kshs 6.4 billion ($80 million), he was asked about a long standing issue with some with investors and shareholders – 'what would happen to the bank if something happened to him?'

His answer? Profit would go up because he’s currently highly paid, and his style over 18 years has changed to one who takes less risks! On a serious note he pointed out to several of the bank’s current managers who had more experience and knowledge than he did (but he is better than selling himself), and would form a pool from which the Board could pick out a successor. Some of the people he pointed out, and who may succeed him, include Gerald Warui (his principal deputy), Mbaabu Muchiri (ex coca cola and central bank who reduced housing bad loans), Michael Wachira (ex-Fortis), Allan Waititu (brought finacle to the bank & automation and is now in charge of new projects), Samuel Makome (ex-Citibank), Bildad Fwama (ex Citibank, British American), and Mary Wamae (who negotiated the first ever conversion of the Kenyan build society to a bank, the Helios deal, and regional investments in Uganda, Sudan, and currently in Rwanda and Tanzania which are aimed to open in Q1 of 2011)

He also noted that with his busy activities outside the bank at (Vision 2030, Advisor to UN & World Economic Program), he has delegated a lot to the point that he is not a signatory at the bank and does not sit on any of the seven board committees.

Monday, March 01, 2010

Kenya Bank Rankings 1968 Edition

From reading a 1968 book Who Controls Industry in Kenya - a report of a working party comes some history of the Kenyan banking sector. It mentions that in 1968;

- Kenya had 10 banks and all but 3 banks were foreign bank off shoots.
- They had given loans of loans of £70m, deposits of £83m – a book ratio of 83% - compared to US or US which had rations of between 33% to 50%
- Depositors received 3-4% interest on deposits, and paid interest of 7-8% on loans [today deposit rates are about the same but loan borrowers pay 12 - 25%]

There were two tiers of banks then;

The Big 3 Banks which 3 held 80% of deposits and 85% of bank assets amounting to K£111 million in 1966 were
- Barclays Bank – had assets of UK£1.4 billion and had 83 branches, and Kenyan directors included Michael Blundell, S. Waruhiu and J. Opembe. Today it has 111 branches
- Nation & Grindlays (now KCB) had assets of UK £401 million and after tax profit of £1.2 million. It had 50 branches, and 16 directors who were all British. Today KCB has 165 outlets in Kenya
_ Standard Bank (now Standard Chartered) with assets of UK £892 million and a net profit of £3.1 million. It had 41 offices, 22 directors all British.

Next 7 Banks
- Bank of Baroda
- Ottoman bank
- Bank of India
- African Banking Corporation (subsidiary of standard bank)
- Commercial bank of Africa
- Algemene bank (General Bank of Netherlands)
- Habib bank

Other institutions
- Cooperative Bank of Kenya (established in 1967)
- National Bank of Kenya (established in 1968)

Finance houses
- Big 3 (licensed as banks)

- National industrial credit (then 40% owned by Standard Bank, now NIC)
- United Dominions Corporation
- Credit finance company (now CFCStanbic)

Others registered as ordinary companies
- Transaction finance corporation (subsidiary of cooper motor corporation CMC)
- Industrial promotion services (Now IPS, was est. in 1963 by the Aga Khan)
- Africindo industrial development (powerful Asian industrialists seeking credit facilities for exports o India with training for Kenyans there)

Development corporations
The big 3 commercial banks also owned development corporations to undertake longer-term investments than normal banks accepted; these were Barleys Overseas Development [assets of B£9m and 88 projects in east Africa], National & Grindalys Finance and Development [B£3m] and Standard Bank Development Corporation

Building societies
As at 1964 they had loaned k£3m more than they had in deposits; this was after sudden withdrawal in 1959 of £4m savings by European and Asian depositors
- Savings & loan society
- East African building society
- First permanent (east Africa)
- Kenya building society (subsidiary of commonwealth development corporation CDC)
- housing finance company of Kenya (now Housing Finance)

Thursday, April 30, 2009

NIC Bank 2009 AGM

The 2009 annual general meeting (AGM) of NIC Bank took place on Wednesday April 29 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre Nairobi. (more on the background and recent performance of NIC)

The Chairman JPM Ndegwa (Chairman) led the meeting which began after the Company Secretary making some housekeeping announcements – mentioning lunch would be served afterwards but members should not litter the building as they eat, asked shareholders to switch off their mobile phone (a few still rang during the meeting) and that the bank had a marketing desk where their products would be on display for shareholders to ask questions and could open share accounts

Chairman Performs: The Chairman introduced the board and the management and representatives of S&F Bank of Tanzania who were seated at the side of the dais. He spoke throughout the day in a mix of English and fluent Kiswahili. He began by commenting that the 2008 AGM held at Safari Park Hotel had been quite crowded hence the move to a larger venue (bank has almost 25,000 shareholders)
Most important was how he controlled the tempo of the meeting, by stating upfront that only relevant questions should be asked and only as related to what was being discussed or voted on at each time. The result was one of the most constructive Q&A segments I have seen, with no frivolous questions asked during the session and the meeting progressing quite rapidly

Financial accounts 2008: the bank ended the year with a profit of Kshs. 1.48 pre-tax billion (~$18.5 million) and significant growth in assets deposit and loans. After the audit partner (Mr. Ndonye from Deloitte & Touche) read out their opinion, there were no questions and the accounts were approved!

Dividend: a final dividend of Kshs 0.25 for a total for the year of Kshs 0.5 was approved by shareholders. The voter elicited a couple of the shareolder to as usual ask for a higher dividend to be paid than the board had recommended. Another shareholder asked that, since the dividend was meager, could they be paid a bonus share?he clearly had not read or listened to the agenda

Directors fees – while you can’t compare the level of disclosure to shareholders at Stanbic (Uganda), the Chairman stated that the total sum paid to non-executive directors was Kshs 5.2 million ($65,000) – in sitting allowance for board & committee meetings. This was actually lower than the 5.36 million paid the year before last yearn and the results were plain to see. Vote was approved

Auditor Re-elections: the directors recommended that Deloitte continue in the accounting roles and asked shareholders to approve that; one shareholder asked if Deloitte was the only firm considered and if so why the Central Bank (CBK is bank regulator) also had to approve the appointment of the auditors – was there a problem with Deloitte? The chairman answered that they used other audit firms, and that there were provisions that firms could not consult and audit at one company and they were quire satisfied with the work Deloitte has done. He added that Central Bank , in looking out for depositors interest, also vetted audit firms employed by banks to see that they were competent (an aside is that the recent ‘enhanced rules’ for stockbrokers don’t specify their quality of their auditors or indicate that the CMA will even vet them)

Director Re-Elections: Isabella Ocholla Wilson and George Maina were re-elected as directors; so was lawyer Michael Somen who required was an extra vote since he is over the age of 70 years He’s the Chairman of Access Kenya, but it seems NIC have a habit of de-emphasizing their directors board positions on other companies

Bonus share : The next motion, for NIC shareholder s to receive 1 new bonus share for each 9 they own produced the first unscripted moment of the day and the hot button issue was again - rogue stockbrokers - three different shareholders asked the same question - i.e. NIC was giving them a bonus share, which they would be forced to take to a stockbroker who may sell this shares without their knowledge, or collapse with their shares/funds. The Chairman replied NIC Bank now had their own stockbrokerage firm NIC capital Securities where their shares would be safe. The war by banks against stockbrokers is still being waged in public – and a few days ago it was Equity Bank shareholders who were being given the same message –that their shares were safer with the strong commercial banks that they know and own, rather than with some small stockbroker

Purchase of 51% of S&F Bank: NIC is purchasing 51% of Savings & Finance, a Tanzanian Bank for a total cost of Kshs. 580 million (~$7.25 million). Continuing part of expansion and diversification since their 2007 rights issue that has seen them open branches in Kenya, an now make a cross-border investment ; the vote brought out the most questions of the day;

Q. exchange rate change since deal was announced; why is some payment in Tanzania shillings and some in US$?
- mix of currencies is s how the Tanzanian owners requested it be paid. - the shillings is weaker and they are now paying about 2.1x book value compared to 1.9x earlier. Also some S&F shareholders live outside Tanzania
Q. The owners seem to be family/private individuals:
- True most companies start with individual shareholders only - and the institutional shareholder is the East African Development Bank. S&F was started in the 1990's and it origins were in hire purchase business are similar to NIC. The shareholders with 49% are also going to be re-investing the NIC money in the banking, not taking it out.
Q. why is the bank attractive? Is it a leading bank in Tanzania – where does it rank?
- Tanzania has 28 banks and S&F would be between no 15 and 20. NIC felt they would get best value by acquiring a small bank and driving its growth. NIC directors did their due diligence, have observed S&F operations, got transaction advice and confidential banking reports from Tanzanian regulators confirming the bank was a good buy . It has 3 branches in Aruaha, Dar es Salaam and Mwanza which are all key trading points. MD added that - NIC was not the only suitor interested in S&F.
Q. How will it be run?
- S&F will have 7 board members – 4 nominated by NIC (including the MD’s post) and 3 by S&F (including the Chairman’s post - Abdulsultan Jamal). NIC have opted to retain the current Tanzanian MD – Suranjan Ghosh, Mark Bomani (former Tanzania attorney general) and Andrew Ndegwa (Kenyan NIC director) and James Macharia (Kenyan NIC managing director) as their four nominees.
Q. Other Kenyan banks have focused on Rwanda Uganda and Sudan- why Tanzanian (which has not been receptive to other Kenyan companies
-Chairman replied that Kenyans were the biggest investor in Tanzania (excluding the mining sector). Also in terms of diversification, the election violence of 2008 affected Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda equally - since countries were on same trade route! However Tanzania was a completely different market. A large untapped country with great agricultural and resource potential. Many NIC customers do business there already.
Q. Deal wrap up?
- Approval has been got from Central Banks of Kenya and Tanzania. After NIC shareholders voted to approve the deals, it is now expected to be wrapped up on Monday next week and S&F will become a subsidiary with their accounts consolidated in NIC’s from next month.

Goodies: a souvenir wall clock

- Smart NIC had a boxed lunch served to shareholders (much easier to manage than any buffet and needs fewer catering staff). each box had cold roast chicken piece, beef sandwich, juice, water bottle, cup cake, and an apple.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

NIC Soars

The NIC bank AGM will be held of April 29. The company has 24,000 shareholders up from 20,000, and while the top 10 shareholders remain unchanged, they are in for the long haul in the bank which is diversifying its business strategy as a re-branded NIC that aims to be a regional giant.



- NIC is now into banc assurance – through NIC insurance agents which partners with two leading insurance companies and had a modest profit in 2008
- NIC acquired 58% of Solid Stockbrokers and has now upped its stake to 88.3% through new capital and buying out other shareholders. The cost so far is about Kshs. 423 million and it made a 2008 profit of Kshs. 5.2 million. The brokerage and investment firms are capitalized at 349 million and 219 million well above the 30 million and 50 million minimums set by the capital markets authority (CMA). Also, legal claims brought by customers of Solid and which NIC inherited in the deal are pegged at Kshs 84 million.
- NIC also plans to complete a deal to acquire 51% of a Tanzanian Bank - Savings & Finance Commercial Bank by 30 April 2009 at a cost of Kshs. 322 million. S&F has in 2007 the equivalent of of Kshs 2.37 billion in assets,with deposits of Kshs 2 billion and loans of Kshs 1.3 billion and pre-tax profit of Kshs. 77 million.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Barclays and the NIC-ex

A few days after Equity led with their 2008 results next comes Barclays Bank Kenya and NIC Bank.

Barclays Kenya have shrugged off a difficult year to report a slight growth in profits while also admitting a slowdown in lending and shift in plans to consolidate after an expansion period that saw the bank go on an expansion splurge in the last two years. Barclays Kenya 2008 profits (PDF)
- Growth of in assets of 3% every quarter of 2008, except Q4 which had a reduction of 2% to end the year. Overall asset growth in 2008 was 7%, while in 2007 it had been was 34%. Assets at December 31 were Kshs. 168.8 billion ($2.1 billion) compared to 172.3 billion at September 2008
- Deposits grew by 12%, 5%, 3% in first three quarters, followed by a decline 5% in Q4 – and overall up 16% for the year - same as in 2007
- Loans were up 3% from 2007
- Income up 25% compared to 24% in 2007
- Expenses up 33% compare to 37% in 2006
- NPA up 22%
- Despite modest growth, edged past Equity as most the capitalized bank

NIC was spun off from Barclays as an asset finance specialist, a business it still dominates while competing against Barclays itself now. The Bank is still in expansion mode with a rebranding under the 1 bank banner as a one stop shop for all their customers business needs. NIC Bank 2008 profits (PDF)

- In 2008, growth in assets was 36%, including 18% in Q1 (while the country was fighting?) and 8% in q4
- Deposits were 42% up from a year ago, again with 17% in Q1 and 10% in Q4
- Loans were up 35% in 2008, with 9% in Q2 and 14% increase in Q3, followed by just 2% in Q4 the lowest (went big on Q3 and decided to slow down in Q4?). NPA's still just 4% of loans
- Despite re-branding, income was up 33% with expenses up 25% in 2008
- Profit was up 41% in 2008, compared to 55% in 2007.

KCB overtook the overtook Barclays as the number one bank, a position it should hold, despite the hit it will take from the link with Triton Oil , the collapsed, scandal ridden oil company. Results should be out in a few days.

Conflicting signals - crunch or not?

KCB’s housing subsidiary Savings & Loan (S&L) extended financing to real estate developers this week, increasing lending limits to Kshs. 250 million ($3.12 million) and willingness to finance of 85% of the construction costs of property developments. Some already wonder if they are contributing to a real estate bubble in Kenya.

Meanwhile there was an offline story in the Standard this week where the MD of listed paint maker, Crown Berger, lamented that banks are behaving strangely, reluctant to lend money, and he was now looking to launch a bond to raise working capital funds for the firm.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Kutwa: Tuesday: Pick out a positive story

Bank Round-up
- Co-op Bank extends its banking hours from the now less-traditional 9 to 3 to 9 a.m. to 4. p.m. daily and up to noon on Saturdays.

- bold Equity Bank announced plans last week to open new branches in Kisumu, but that was before a new outbreak of violence over the weekend and the fatal shooting of an opposition MP this morning.

- The Business Daily reports that West African giant Ecobank, plans to take over a majority stake in limping mortgage bank EABS whose recent growth had lagged most of its peers

- NIC Bank to convert this cashless ATM points into full branches and expand its network.

capital flight: A leading multi-national bank is considering moving an African operations department out of Nairobi, and to another country. The amount of capital flight (money leaving the country) is also at an alarming high.

Other sectors
- Valentine’s day massacre?; What does Naivasha flare up mean for some flower farms who Valentine's Day (Feb 14) shipment/sales can account for up to ½ their turnover in a year ?
- Nairumor that a blue chip CEO and turnaround specialist will resign next month in search of (foreign) greener pastures
- The Harvard Business School’s Africa Business Conference is on February 15-17, 2008 in Boston MA. Details from YAP
- Some troubling signs and even more today.
- Another regional airline upstart is Executive Turbine, flying 4X weekly to Kisumu for Kshs. 3,540 ($70). Regional airlines should be added to the earlier post on election winners.

Trivia
- Will ‘President Obama’ need Equity Bank? - because 46% of African American household’s don’t have bank accounts - he can tap Equity Bank’s revolutionary model to bring banking to the unbanked.

- wish I was in France: It’s better to be a rogue trader facing charges for misplacing $7 billion. But it’s also a reminder that financial shenanigans are still rarely punished and prosecuted in Kenya. E.g. Francis Thuo. (and maybe Mr. Kerviel would rather have worked for a Kenyan bank instead)

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Bank Review '07: Part III

Middle of the pack

20. (20) Fina Bank: Estimated assets of 7.6 billion ($108 million) and profits of 90 million shillings ($1.3 million), with growth of about 20% from a year ago. Opened upcountry branches in Kenya (Nakuru, Mombasa, and Eldoret) and will start branches in Uganda next year, bridging the Fina to their existing Rwanda operations.

19. (22) Family Bank: Estimated assets of 9 billion and profits of 220 million in 2007. Known as Equity Blue, it has enjoyed similarly rapid growth (though slightly less this year) since converting from a building society to a bank. It has followed Equity's footsteps, applying for the same exemptions granted to Equity - such early as admission to the clearing house and permission to issue chequebooks. It has also opened branches at a fast rate and its paperless banking model and women-entrepreneur loan models are a hit with rural Kenyans. But, in the year in which they converted to a Bank, they also lost their long serving CEO over board dispute and got sued by a Central Bank official who their Chairman had accused of being corrupt.

18. (18) EABS: Estimated assets of 9 billion and profits of 15 million. Teething pains continue at the former building society which converted to a bank three years ago, and had growth of about 5% in 2007.

17. (17) Housing Finance : Estimated assets of 10.5 billion and profit of 120 million, with loans 15% up from a year ago but assets only 2%. The bank tried to merge with Development Bank of Kenya, and later raise cash in a rights issue, but both plans were scuttled by regulators; later the board signed to sell a 25% stake to Equity Bank. HFCK and S&L (owned by KCB) are still major players in the mortgages sector which is becoming a crowded field with newer entrants Stanbic and Standard Chartered. HF also lost a class action lawsuit filed by customers over illegal bank charges.

16. (19) Bank of India: Estimated assets of 11 billion and profit of 500 million for quiet bank that grew at about 25%. Does a lot of India related business and Kenya government securities.

15. (16) Imperial Bank: Estimated assets of 11.5 billion and profits of 600 million. In 2007, the bank grew about 40% as it launched shariah banking, asset finance, children’s accounts and opened new branches at the coast.

14. (14) Bank of Baroda: Estimated assets of 14.9 billion and profit of 600 million for quiet bank that grew at about 25% and does a lot of Kenya government securities investing. It has been in Kenya for 52 years

13. (15) Prime Bank : Estimated assets of 15 billion and profits of 350 million. The fast growing bank will consolidate with affiliate Prime capital company by year end leading to a much larger bank in 2008.

12. (11) Investment & Mortgages: Estimated assets of 30 billion and profits of 1.3 billion. Fast growing bank also diversified into shariah banking, custodial services and also acquired two new euro bank shareholders.

11. (12) Diamond Trust : Estimated assets of 31 billion and profits of 950 million. In 2007 the bank grew about 45% as it opened several new branches, had a second rights issue in less than a year and also acquired a majority stake in Diamond Trust Tanzania.

10. (8) NIC: Estimated assets of 34 billion and profit of 1.1 billion. The bank grew at about 30% in 2007. It had a rights issue, rewarded shareholders with a bonus, went into custodial and investment banking (acquiring a stockbrokerage firm). But the market leader in asset finance also faced increased competition from other banks in this field and was dropped from NSE share index in favour of ICDCI.

9. (5) Citibank Kenya: Estimated assets of 38 billion and profit of 1.9 billion shillings. Otherwise a flat year for the bank whose parent faced her own troubles in the US banking meltdown. Growth was about 5% as the bank got into the local IPO advisory races.

8. (6) Commercial Bank of Africa: Estimated assets of 40 billion and profit of 1.4 billion. Growth of 9% from a year ago got into unit trusts, home loans, insurance, and funding of women projects. Similar to CFC and would be prime candidate for a merger.

7. (7) National Bank of Kenya: Estimated assets of 45 billion ($645 million) and profit of 1.4 billion shillings ($20 million) for 2007. NBK finally had its most of its non- performing portfolio debt albatross sorted out with a government bailout in the form of bonds maturing over the next 10 years. Now that its cleaned up, it could once again be a target of Stanbic again who two years ago offered to buy out NSSF’s 48% after their CFC merger is done in 2008 (Equity Bank is a also long shot). During the year, NBK partnered with Standard investment bank offer stockbroking services through NBK branches and also tried to have businessman Ketan Somaia jailed over an unpaid debt to the bank

Jobs

- Chase Bank; Head of ICT, senior manager operations, head of trade finance. apply by snail mail to the Head of HR 28987-00200 by 29/2
- Cabin crew at Emirates airlines
- Fina Bank Uganda: The bank is starting operation in Uganda in January 2008, and those interested in working there should send detailed CVs to hr@finabank.com.
- tough job - Head of marketing & corporate communications at Kenya Airways apply online by 15/1

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Kutwa Tuesday: December 11

Yesterday was the day the Safaricom IPO was to start, but not a word came except from the courts. The prospectus could be out today, so there could be hope.

Still the market needs a huge outlet to drain all the excess investment liquidity in the country. So far, everything offered is oversubscribed from company placements IPO's, to corporate bonds – with the Diaspora, foreign investors, local institutional investors, fund managers, co-operatives, banks and retail investors all chasing the same investments. The latest was the Diamond Trust Bank rights which were oversubscribed by 178%

One controversial issue of Safaricom is the 5 – 10% owned by Mobitelea, which has been extensively discussed in the media and among blogs. However it would be surprising if that shareholding still existed, and surely that embarrassing matter has been sorted out by Vodafone either by swop's or other payments.

Bank developments
- Corporate rebranding at KCB at their website (formerly kcb.co.ke) is now kcbbankgroup.com - shedding the Kenyan connotation which would be a burdensome sell in the region with branches in S. Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
- Equity bank has received more approvals from CBK, NSE and CMA for their recent deals. In addition Helios (who are buying 25%) of the Bank have been exempted from the banking act provision that a foreign non bank cannot own shares in the country (until 2016)
- Imperial bank has ventured into Shariah banking with a product called Imani while giant Standard Chartered also considering venturing into Islamic banking.
- The Baraka Fund has taken over the country’s smallest bank – City Finance

stockbroking
- The NSE has announced that they have fully paid all Francis Thuo client claims as at November 30 2007
- CFC Bank is looking for stock agents in all provinces of the country.
–NIC Bank's takeover of Solid Investment stockbrokers has been approved by the Minister of Finance.

real estate
- Business daily looks at real estate investments in the last year and their profitability. - Regardless of who wins the election, budget deficits are a sure thing and interest rates should rise in 2008 – affecting mortgages, most of which are not at fixed rates
- New hotels: planned developments include seven coves in chumani kilifim while the Delamere farm will set up ecotourism camp at soysambu ranch

insurance:
– After insurance companies beat a retreat from insurance sector three years ago, citing fraud and the collapse of medical plans, there's a mini comeback now with First Assurance going after AAR in a partnership with the Nairobi hospital association.
– The association of Kenya insurers has announced that from next year all premiums must be paid before any cover is provided

opportunities

bottle shortage
A sign of changing trends as people seem to have forgotten that they have bottles at home. And now the bottlers want them back and are willing to pay cash for you to scrounge around the houses and surrender their empty bottles.
- beer bottles: east African breweries buying them back at 17 shillings ($0.25) per bottle and 335 sh per empty beer crate to uchumi and nakumatt supermarkets. Nakumatt will pay cash while uchumi will pay in vouchers for shopping at that store!
- soda bottles Nairobi bottlers (a coca cola franchise) is buying coke, fanta, sprite bottles (300 and 500ml) at 10 shillings each, and empty crates at 100 sh.

awards
Kenya national commission on human rights 2008 human rights & democracy awards: milele (lifetime achievement), firimbi (whistle blower), umma (public body), utumishi (police), urekebishaji (prisons), utetezi (civil society), mashinani (community based), habari (media), jitolee (business) and special category lochiel@knchr.org or bwire@knchr.org

Africa Investor : Tourism Investor Awards: Tourism Investment Programme of the Year, Sustainable Tourism Investment of the Year, Business Resort of the Year, Best Initiative in Facilitating SME Tourism Investment, Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA) of the Year, Hotel Investment of the Year, Hospitality Management Team of the Year, Tourism Investment Advisor of the Year, Business Airline of the Year, 2010 Legacy Investment of the Year, Business Travel Insurer of the Year. Deadline for the entries is 11 January 2008.

jobs
from the daily papers last week
- Chief executive; constituency development fund board
- Daystar University deputy VC finance, administration & planning. Manpower 14/12
– CEO at the troubled East African Portland cement company
- Fly 540 airline: looking for captains and first officers for ATR 72, Dash 8, Fokker F27 and BAE 146 aircraft
- KISS FM: creative writers email gm@kissfm.co.ke
- K-Rep Bank: branch managers, operations managers, advances managers, advances officers, apply by snail mail - D/L 19/12
- Kenya pipeline: helicopter pilot, senior accountant, internal auditor, senior internal auditor, senior IT officer, D/L 21/12, apply by snail mail
- Financial management analyst at the world bank - Nairobi

Saturday, August 04, 2007

New stockbroker

Finally a new stockbroker is going to be invited to join the lucrative club that is the Nairobi Stock Exchange. The number of shareholders has gone up approximately ten times from pre-Kengen IPO, but the number of stockbrokers, through which investors must trade their shares has been stuck at 18 all that time (currently 17 since Francis Thuo was suspended earlier this year).

It's only one seat to access this Kshs. 4 billion a year industry, but that can only improve the current situation. Who should win? Ideally a bank or financial institution with an extensive branch network. CFC bank - the only bank that's also a stockbroker has the widest reach nationwide when compared to several one office stockbrokers in Nairobi

Application details here and only firms that can qualify as a stockbroker or investment bank are eligible. The Application fee is Kshs 50,000 ($700) to the NSE, and 2,500 to the Capital Markets Authority. Applications should also include a company profile and statement of financial support/bank guarantee for the bid amount which is reported to have a reserve price of Kshs 150 million ($2 million). D/L of 13/8 is just over a week away.

Other News & Follow up's

- KTN reported that the housing Finance deal (buy in by Equity) could be in jeopardy owing to a burden of borrower lawsuits that could be a major liability for the bank since the introduction of in duplum rules to the banking sector. (One plaintiff won a major case against the bank last month)

- I & M: Two European development finance institutions take up a 12% stake in I&M - Kenya’s 11th largest bank

- NIC shareholders will this month be asked to vote on right issue and bonus share - in addition to modifying the company laws to expand the bank beyond Kenya, enter insurance, custodial, and investment banking, and allow unclaimed dividends by to be reinvested by the Bank until a shareholder shows up to claim them

- Welcome to the Kenya, land of milk & honey: The Safaricom IPO honey pot has attracted interest from BNP Paribas, Citicorp, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley and other banking, financial and legal giants

- Next week’s East African reports on a proposed merger in the cement industry between Bamburi and East African Portland Cement companies.

- As expected parliament, without a legitimate quorum, passed the media bill

- Weak laws and evasion are robbin Kenya of tax money.

Opportunities

- Borrow up to Kshs 1,000,000 at 0% interest from Halaal Credit, but eligible only to Kenyan Sunni Muslims.

- Diaspora conference; a conference dubbed Incorporating the Preparatory Kenya Diaspora Home-Coming Forum will take place at KICC on 14-16 August, 2007. some issues will be exploring investment opportunities in Kenya, debate the Diaspora bill 2007 , building partnerships between European and African private and public sector stakeholders, SME and Diaspora sectors be mainstreamed into vision 2030, and proposal that an annual Kenya Diaspora Homecoming week be held every August of each year. Details can be got from info@kenyadiaspora.go.ke

- Design a logo and come up with a motto for the Kenya Investment Authority :

some jobs

- AON: retail broking manager, senior business development executive (health). Apply to HR@aon.co.ke by 17/8
- Chief executive officer at the export processing zones authority. Apply through manpower associates by 14/8
- KCB: branch managers, business banking managers. Apply to recruitment@kcb.co.ke by 17/8
- Safaricom: Investigator, senior fraud analyst, senior information security officer, senior information systems auditor, and a dozen technical jobs. Apply to
hr@safarciom.co.ke by 10/8
- UAP: Relationship officer, internal risk surveyor, agricultural underwriter. Apply to recruitment@uapkenya.com.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Bank Roundup (June 07)

all banks share capital raised from 250 million to 1 billion. At the beginning of the year, 25 of 43 banks were below this mark (with 7 banks below 500 million). This is an update/reversal of an older proposal to lower the share capital when some banks were struggling a few years ago. Not many mergers expected though it may prompt some mid size banks to go for a public listing to raise cash (only 3 banks lost money last year)

Central bank has advertised for some currency destruction contracts as the east African reports on talks for the government to invest in the current currency supplier DE La Rue

Diamond Trust to venture into Islamic Banking

East African Development Bank profit went up by 229% to $4.6 million – up from $1.4 million the year before. Assets increased to $262m dollars and their non-performing portfolio reduced by 11%

Equity bank won an international award – the 2007 global vision in microfinance award. Also KTN reported that the that the bank will open three women only branches in Nairobi

Two month old Family Bank is seeking a new managing director

KCB to expand into Uganda as it also wins an international award – the Africa investor for best performing stock in Africa award (shares price up 97% ) > but the company also held one of the longest dreariest AGM’s in history on Friday

National bank finally got recapitalized. NBK could receive 346 million in 2007 and 2008, a bullet payment in 2009 of 4.3 billion, 220m in 2010 and 2011 and another bullet payment of 5.2 billion in 2012. For 2013 - 2015 123m each and in 2016 a lump sum of 5.2b. 2017 to 2020 58m each and a final payment of 6 billion – for a total of Kshs. 22.48 billion ($340 million)

NIC to increase authorized share capital via a rights issue. The board approved it on June 14, but there was no mention at the AGM on May 16. This follows a Fitch Report indicating that mid-size Kenyan banks need to increase their capital

opportunities

East African breweries is accepting applications for a graduate management program. Details online and D/L is 22/6

Family bank: chief executive officer, credit manager. Apply through deloitte - esd@deloitte.co.ke by 29/6

Kenital solar : sales & marketing manager, technical manager, engineer sales executives (5) regional managers (4). Apply to cm@kenital.com by 22/6

Country manager at Steadman Tanzania . Apply to janis@steadman-group.com by 22/6

A dozen IT, research and engineering jobs at Safaricom

Writers at a new Swahili newspaper. Apply to gazetijipya@gmail.com

Project management specialist at USAID.apply to hrnaiorobi@usaid.gov

Rhodes scholarships: 2 for Kenyans to pursue full time post graduate study at the University of Oxford. Apply to rhodeskec@wananchi.com by 15/9

Real estate: for the monied in the Diaspora, those who have worked hard and are looking to return in style, consider investing in Kihingo village a gated community development in Kitusuru where prices start at $500,000.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

NIC Bank AGM

The 2007 NIC Bank AGM was held on May 16 2007 at the Intercontinental Hotel

Who's the man?
The Chairman, Mr. JPM Ndegwa, was able to handle most questions and diffuse tense moments and awkward (not difficult) questions with careful answers and occasional jokes. He kept reminding shareholders to ask serious, not peripheral questions after the first question was – how can the deputy chairman, be older then the chairman? – answer was deputy is not my successor, he only chairs meeting when I'm away

Shareholder questions
AGM’s are quite routine except for shareholder interaction & questions or if there is special business to discuss, or multiple applicants for director seats such as as Kenya Airways or KCB

Dividends:
- Questions (Q) What are unclaimed? What happens to them? Answer (A) - These are cheques yet to be banked, but which NIC has to hold for about 12 in case shareholders or their dependants show up. However after the budget last year, unclaimed dividends will eventually be transferred to the CMA investor compensation fund.
- Earnings per share growing, but dividend per share still a huge way behind. A – Growth in dividends is prudential, NIC can't pay out 100% of earnings as dividends, and it also has to build up reserves.
- Q; Too many taxes on dividends A - Take it up with the government
- Q; Shareholders without bank accounts have trouble cashing cheques A – Chairman said it’s high time everyone got a bank account, and stop carrying cash around which is dangerous
- Q; shareholder who has bought shares several time gets 3 invitations to AGM and 3 small dividend cheques (and has to pay for each to clear) A - Chairman said he should check that all the shares were immobilized in the same CDS account which should consolidate all the shares
- Q; Why no bonus shares? A - Bonus shares do not increase shareholder wealth, only divide it more times. But it’s popular now, so they may consider it. But for now, if you want more shares, buy more
- Q; Why give t-shirts, don’t want them and want more shares instead A - Chairman answered it was a gift/token of appreciation to those who show up to do the business of the AGM. Added that it was actually a nice pullover, which he would appreciate over the next year (unlike dividend which is only used once)

NPA Q - NPA’s up over the last 5 years, what is the bank doing about them? A - NPA's are actually down over last 5 years. These are actually prudent provisions by NIC rather than lost money which the bank goes after aggressively. In fact since year end (2006) statement were published and 1st quarter (2007) results published last year, this figure has reduced by another 300 million shillings

Growth plans to sustain profit.? A - New NIC capital division will engage in commercial paper and bond activity which does not require lending. Also careful expansion into new branches. Nakuru branch was opened to support extensive asset finance business in the region. Also new branches at Westlands and the Junction (Dagoretti) are already profitable

Costs Q - Staff costs up significantly but staff numbers relatively unchanged A - new mangers hired to lead the bank into new business. This has been successful as NIC has grown 4 fold in last 5 years. Also union demands have meant bank increase staff salaries

CSR: Q - the bank's corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects seem to benefit only whites (mzungus as seen by the picture in the annual report A - that is not correct projects benefit all Kenyans. The bank has focused on the environment and education which benefit all Kenyans
Why not support AIDS war? A – Bank has supported Nyumbani Home and has a staff HIV policy but focus this year is on environment and education

Hot button issue
Q - Management of the Bank not representative of Kenya as they all come from one region and the wealth needs to be spread around the country got some generous applause A – This is a company not a political forum. All managers are hired on merit. The CEO position was widely advertised (nationally & internationally) – they got the best man, and the results speak for themselves. Resources (dividends) will go to the areas of people who buy shares in the company got even greater applause

AGM Goodies: NIC half-sweater, Intercontinental lunch box (one rib, chicken drumstick, soda, spring roll, mini pizza, samosa, apple, cake slice)

Friday, April 27, 2007

New investment bank

NIC Bank will launch an investment bank under the banner of NIC Capital to offer financial advisory services.

Earlier: I&M - new custodian.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Reporting director performance

NIC Bank which has been recognized for corporate governance awards for financial reporting has now added a new level of director performance by publishing a scorecard of directors attendance of board and committee meetings during the year.

Director attendance is an important measure of their performance, and contribution to the company. They should also be measured by how many other boards they sit and their other executive commitments to determine if they add value to the company.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

2006 Kenya banking review


still Barclays country


based on reported figures for September 2006

1. Barclays Bank of Kenya [assets worth 117.17 billion shillings ($1.67 billion)] In 2006 Barclays made a major policy about turn and announced expansion plans including reopening branches they had closed a few years ago. They also venture into Shariah compliant banking as did KCB, I&M, Dubai and K-Rep banks.

Compared to September 2005, assets were up 10%, deposits 12%, loans 14% but income was up only 6%. They also increased their investment in government securities to about 40% of the loan book. Still despite being Kenya’s largest bank, it also has the 2nd highest return on assets at 4.16% (second only to Equity Bank at 4.74%)Barclays shareholders had a very happy year, which saw them earn a bonus share and a share split in addition to their usual top dividend.

2. Kenya Commercial Bank [84.92 billion] KCB nudged passed Stanchart in assets while its share price zoomed passed though Stanchart still has a higher market cap and better returns. KCB’s expansive rural branch network was the envy of other banks such as Barclays and it also expanded into Sudan in 2006. KCB’s assets were up 18%, deposits 17%, loan 13% while income was up 26% from a year ago

3. Standard Chartered [84.09 billion] The bank launched several new products including accounts aimed as women (Diva) and children and adult savings (Safari) accounts. Stanchart also appointed a new MD – Mr. Etemesi. Assets up 18% deposits 16% loan s22% and income 10% while it also increased its investment in government securities

4. Cooperative Bank [55.17 billion] Co-op’s strong recovery continued and it remains a strong candidate for a listing in the next two years. One of their unique traditional products - kids’ savings accounts – was invaded by other banks this year. Compared to last September, assets were up 12%, deposits up 18%, income up 19%, but loans down by 16%. Also their total non performing assets (NPA’s) doubled to 17 billion while the bank also tripled its in investment in government securities during the year.

5. National Bank of Kenya [39.37 billion] NBK is yet to have its capital and debt restructuring done even though it is promised every year by the Government and despite reporting profits each quarter, it was not able to pay any dividends. The Bank launched a low fee (Taifa) account to counter the crowds flocking to Equity and Co-op banks. Assets and loan were up 10%, deposits and income up 16% and it tripled investment in government securities but NPA have also doubled to from a year ago.

6. Citibank Kenya [35.43 billion] Assets up 12% loans up 42% and income up 33%. Was a late entrant to the share craze providing advisory services to the Mumias rights issue in November.

7. Commercial Bank of Africa [35.12 billion] CBA opened a new headquarters and is expected to venture into stockbroking. Assets, deposits, loans, and income were all up 21% but NPA also up 45% from a year ago.

8. CFC [25.04 billion] Had a successful rights issue to raise capital and also continued to roll out new insurance products. Its stockbroking unit is the largest in the country and was reported to have processed Eveready applications amounts that exceeded the shares being offered. CFC doubled its investment in government securities, assets were up 35%, deposits and loans up 20%, income up 61% but NPA were also up by 74% from the year before.

9. NIC [23.55] Still the leader in asset finance while their flat fee (MOVE) was imitated by other banks. Assets and deposits were up 18%, loans 15%, and income 33%, but NPA’s doubled from a year ago also. Shareholders finally enjoyed some significant price appreciation after being stuck at 50 /= forever.

10. Standard Bank (Stanbic) [23.29 billion] Many Kenyans bought shares in their Ugandan subsidiary while the Bank has expressed an interest in investing in NBK once it is restructured. Stanbic which has the lowest NPA (followed by Citibank and D-Trust) had assets up 54% deposits and loans up 44% and income was up 49%.

11 Investment & Mortgages [21.79 billion] I&M had assets up 25% deposits 27% loans 36% and income up 33% as the bank made a push into the credit card sector.

12 Diamond Trust [19.14 billion] Raised capital in an over-subscribed rights issue in December and is rumored to consolidate with a sister bank next year. Assets were up 27% deposits 29% loans 25% while income was up 33% from a year ago.

13 Equity [16.33 billion] Kenya’s s fastest growing bank had assets up 63% deposits 81% loans 105% and income 90% however expenses in Q3 grew faster than income and NPA’s are up 165%. It has the highest returns (assets 5% and equity 46%) and successfully listed all their shares on the NSE in 2006

14 Bank of Baroda [11.43 billion] Assets and deposits up 29%, loans up 27%, income up 22% and profit could double this year.

15 Housing Finance [9.8 billion] Has a new MD while its share price appreciated beyond expectation leaving it with the highest P/E on the NSE. Assets, deposits, loans, income, and expenses remained basically unchanged from a year ago while the bank has converted cash into government securities. The lack of new loan growth resulted in NPA’s forming a greater portion (72%) of loan book.

16 Prime Bank [9.26 billion] Assets and income up 40%, deposits 43% loan 29% and profits are up 69% from a year ago.

17 EABS Bank [8.55 billion] Teething pains continue as assets shrunk by 4% but with a positive outlook as income increased twice as fast as operating expenses this year, but still NPA’s are at 72%.

18 Imperial [8.47 billion] Assets up 5% loan 146% and securities up 60% as the bank had redeployed about 1 billion in placements. Income is up 13% and Imperial has among the top 5 returns (even better than Citibank)

19 Bank of India [8.15 billion] Assets and deposits up 20%, loans up 56%, income up 46% but NPA up 43% - still the bank is on track for a huge profit this year.

20 Bank of Africa [6.23 billion] Expects to open another Nairobi branch and but into a bank in Uganda to go with the one it invested into in Tanzania. Assets up 17% deposits 35% loans 16% and income up 31% and despite increase expansion costs remains on track to achieve a profit this year.

21 Fina [6.15 billion] One of the banks that has championed SME financing and also has an extensive operation in Rwanda. Assets unchanged from a year ago while loans up 17% profits will be 41% higher, but NPA also up 59%.

22 Habib AG Zurich [5.07 billion] Asset up 9%, loans 16% and income up 11% at this bank which invests primarily in government securities.

23 ABC [4.95 billion] Assets up 7% with loans up 4%, and income up 20% from a year ago however NPA’s also up 46%.

24 Giro [4.93 billion] Nothing much heard from partnership with SBI (India) and
Assets were up 3%, income up 9%, but loans down 13% and profit will be less than 2005.

25 Guardian [4.66 billion] Assets up 2%, and bank has upped its investment in government securities by 61% compared to 2% growth in loans – however NPA up 216% .

26 K-Rep [4.52 billion] One of the banks that pioneered the micro-finance sector now finds itself being crowded out by new entrants advertising all manner of SME packages. It will administer an ADB guaranteed line of credit for women entrepreneurs (along with CFC and CBA). Assets up 31,% deposits 59& and income up 50% proving that micro finance is low risk niche with only 4% NPA’s even as loans by K-Rep increased by 40%.

28 Southern Credit [4.27 billion] Assets up 1% deposits up 6% and loans 9% but with NPA’s up 52% from a year ago at the bank with a major credit card arm.

29 Victoria [4.19 billion] Assets and deposits up 8% and the bank has reduced its NPA’s by 49% and now has the lowest NPA in the country at 1% with 1 billion shilling in the bank.

30 Charterhouse [3.94 billion] The bank was placed under statutory management following money laundering and tax evasion allegations and has fought back through the courts and the press (& with some questionable tactics). Even as depositors are locked out, assets up 19% but profits down 33% and the CBK manager increased investments in government securities - up by 332% (as directed by the law)

31 Equatorial [3.67 billion] A Sameer bank had assets up 1% but reduced government securities by 72% to increase loans by 22% but NPA also up 75%.

32 Middle East [3.45 billion] Assets up 1%, loans up 45%, but deposits down 10% yet bank may increase its profit as a result of an improved NPA positions.

33 Consolidated [3.45 billion] Assets up 29%, deposits & loans up 33% and despite high NPA it may achieve a profit in 2006. The Deposit protection fund is expected to sell its 50% stake in the bank, but without a profitable track record it will remain private.

34 Chase [3.29 billion] Assets up 33%, deposit 53%, loans & income up 43% but NPA also up 42%.

35 Development Bank of Kenya [3.05 billion] Assets up 20%, deposits & loans are up 50% but NPA up 52%.

36 Habib Bank [3.02 billion] Assets, deposit, and loans, all up 4% this year at Habib which is rumored to consolidate with sister bank in 2007. Has the highest ratio of investment in government securities.

37 Credit [2.77 billion] Assets down 6% and NPA up 125% as the bank drops 3 places in rankings.

38 Transnational [2.44 billion] Assets up 12%, while deposits & loans up 20% from a year ago but NPA also up 73%.

39 Fidelity [2.11 billion] Income up 50% while deposits & loans both up 35% from a year ago.

40 Paramount Universal [2.05 billion] Assets up 55%, deposits up 72% but income is flat and NPA's are significantly up.

41 Oriental (formerly Delphis) [1.37 billion] Losses continue to eat into assets. Growth in income finally faster than growth in expenses but not enough to reverse wipe out of gains in the 1st half of the year as the bank moves further away from profitability and drops behind Paramount in size.

42 Dubai [1.22 billion] One of the first banks to recognize the potential of having a branch in the Eastleigh area now finds itself fighting with new entrants (giants Barclays and KCB) invading the area. Assets up 5%, loans up 12%, deposits up 15%, but NPA up 130% from a year ago.

43 City Finance [0.53 billion] Smallest bank with deposits up 34% (to 130 million), but income down 31% and NPA up 40% from a year ago.

Other institutions
Would be ranked 27 - Family Finance [4.47 billion in assets] Almost as fast growing as Equity with a similarly ambitious expansion plan, but was not able to become a bank since their planned conversion was put on hold by Central Bank. A share capital share of 390 million is more than other existing banks, but new banks are expected to be stronger and so the society went for a controversial private placement which was under-subscribed in November 2006. Assets and profits are up 40% from a year ago while deposits are up 50%.

new bank - Gulf African Will be the first 100% Shariah bank in Kenya

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails