Co-operative Bank Earns ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification to Strengthen Customer Data Security
Nairobi, Kenya – September 5, 2025 –Co-operative Bank of Kenya has attained the prestigious ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to safeguarding customer data and reinforcing its compliance with global information security standards.
The certification, awarded by the British Standards Institution (BSI) during a ceremony at Co-operative Bank House, follows a rigorous external audit that assessed key areas including physical security, access controls, risk management, business continuity, and software security practices.
Speaking during the handover, Charles Washika, Director of ICT & Innovations at Co-operative Bank, said the achievement underscores the bank’s commitment to protecting client information through world-class systems.
“Achieving this certification demonstrates our commitment to protecting customer information through world-class information security standards. It has enhanced our risk management, standardised policies across the bank, and strengthened our incident response capabilities,” Mr. Washika noted.
Echoing the importance of the achievement, Ilias Karampoikis, IMETA Sales and Commercial Director at BSI, said:
“The global digital landscape is rapidly evolving, with businesses increasingly reliant on cloud-based operations. Certification to ISO/IEC 27001 is proof that Co-operative Bank has taken the necessary steps to protect itself and its customers against cyber threats while aligning with international best practice.”
Co-operative Bank first made history in 2014 as the pioneer bank in East Africa to achieve the earlier ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification. The updated 2022 standard takes a more holistic approach to tackling modern cyber risks, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data.
For customers, the certification translates to enhanced protection of personal and financial data, with reduced risks of privacy breaches and improved assurance in the safety of digital banking services.
Mr. Washika added that the bank has over the past decade invested heavily in cutting-edge security tools, recruited cybersecurity experts, and implemented controls across all 93 ISO requirements to address emerging threats.
By securing this certification, Co-operative Bank not only strengthens its competitive edge in the regional banking sector but also positions itself for international growth. The milestone supports Kenya’s broader financial digitisation agenda and aligns with the Central Bank of Kenya’s regulatory framework.
With this achievement, Co-operative Bank reaffirms its role as a trailblazer in information security across East Africa’s financial sector, pledging to continuously enhance systems that safeguard customer trust in an increasingly digital economy.
