Equity Bank has tapped Mastercard in a deal that will enable Equity Bank customers to send money safely and securely to 30 countries, a deal that will see Equity Bank customers send funds through any Equity Branch Location in Kenya with faster transaction times, enhanced security measures, and competitive pricing, making cross-border transactions accessible to consumers across Equity Bank’s expansive market network.
According to Dr. James Mwangi (CBS), Group Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings Plc, “This facilitates money transfers and more importantly connects lives and empowers our customers. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing accessible financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers and solidifies our role in fostering inclusive growth across the region.”
Remittances are a key economic driver in Sub-Saharan Africa with a reported $53 billion flowing into the region in 2022. In Kenya, the Central Bank of Kenya reported $5.77 billion worth of foreign currency inflows in 2022. Cross border remittances unlock financial inclusion by empowering individuals to access formal financial services, ultimately fostering economic growth and stability in the region.
“Providing innovative solutions that deliver the choice, security, and flexibility that customers transacting from Kenya need and expect is a factor we take pride in. Mastercard is delighted to collaborate with Equity Bank to make this level of payment ingenuity a reality for Equity Bank customers, giving Mastercard an opportunity to bring millions of people from underserved communities into the financial and digital economy,” said Mark Elliott, President for Africa at Mastercard.
This collaboration also ensures full value for recipients as there are no landing fees. The charges linked to this innovative service are significantly lower than traditional international payments, making it a more affordable and accessible option for customers. This development aligns with the evolving payments landscape, catering to customer demands for cost-effective and efficient international transactions.