Equity Tops Africa’s Banking Brands, Ranked Kenya’s Most Valuable Brand

Nairobi, March 23, 2026 — Equity Bank has reinforced its dominance in the financial sector after being ranked Africa’s strongest banking brand and Kenya’s most valuable brand in the latest assessment by Brand Finance.

The lender posted a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.9 out of 100, earning the top-tier AAA+ rating and securing a place among the world’s top 10 strongest banking brands. The ranking highlights Equity’s growing global recognition, driven by its purpose-led approach, digital expansion and strong regional footprint.

Regionally, South Africa’s Capitec Bank and First National Bank trailed Equity in brand strength, underlining the continued influence of East and Southern Africa in shaping the continent’s banking landscape.

In Kenya, Equity also emerged as the most valuable brand, with a valuation of USD 554 million (KSh71.6 billion). It edged out telecommunications giant Safaricom, valued at USD 453 million (KSh58.5 billion), alongside other major players including KCB Group, M-Pesa and Co-operative Bank of Kenya.

According to Brand Finance, brand strength reflects a company’s ability to command pricing power, retain customers and sustain growth, based on factors such as reputation, familiarity and customer advocacy. The firm evaluates more than 5,000 brands globally each year across sectors.

Equity’s dual achievement leading both in brand strength globally and brand value locally signals strong investor confidence and positions the bank to deepen its influence in payments, SME financing and regional trade across Africa.