Paul Arithi 
- Standard Chartered Kenya Named Best Trade Finance Provider in Kenya at the Global Finance Awards 2026;
Standard Chartered Kenya has been named the Best Trade Finance Provider in Kenya at the Global Finance Awards 2026, a recognition that underscores the Bank’s leadership in digitisation, supply chain finance and sustainable trade and working capital solutions.
The award reflects Standard Chartered’s continued investment in technology-led trade capabilities, with over 90% per cent of supplier finance, guarantees, letters of credit, invoice finance and short-term loan transactions now initiated through the Bank’s Straight2Bank digital platform. This end-to-end digitisation has significantly improved speed, transparency and efficiency for clients operating in increasingly complex regional and global trade corridors.
The Bank also recorded strong momentum in sustainable finance, completing Sustainable Trade and Working Capital transactions that supported clients across key sectors to align trade activity with environmental and social objectives, reinforcing Standard Chartered’s commitment to financing sustainable growth in Kenya.
Commenting on the award, Makabelo Malumane Head, Transaction Banking Kenya & East Africa, Standard Chartered Kenya, said the recognition highlights the Bank’s client-centric approach to trade finance:
“This award validates our strategy of integrating digital innovation with deep sector expertise to deliver impactful client solutions.
By digitising over 90% of our trade and working capital transactions, we have successfully enabled faster, more secure and transparent trade flows across our global network.
Our investments in our differentiated supply chain finance and sustainable trade finance solutions have equally bolstered growth for Kenyan businesses by allowing them to unlock suitable financing options that have in turn elevated their competitive edge within the regional and global trade corridors.”
Also commenting on the award, Patrick Makau Head, Trade and Working Capital Kenya and East Africa, said the recognition affirms the Bank’s commitment to powering trade finance that is efficient, resilient and future-ready. “This award reflects the progress we are making in transforming how trade and working capital solutions are delivered.
We have deliberately invested in digital capabilities that simplify, accelerate execution, and improve transparency across supply chains.
At the same time, our supply chain finance, sustainable trade and working capital solutions are delivering real, measurable impact across value chains.
We see ourselves as a super-connector Bank, linking every part of the trade value chain and seamlessly connecting businesses to markets and opportunities across the trade ecosystem to unlock liquidity, strengthen resilience and enable more inclusive and sustainable trade. We thank our clients for placing their trust in us and appreciate the teams that deliver for our clients across several markets”
Global Finance Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence in the international financial services industry, with winners selected based on transaction volume, market share, innovation, customer service and sustainability practices. This year’s awards are the 26th annual edition and brings the world’s Best Trade Finance Providers in 14 global categories, eight regions, nearly 100 countries and six US regions.
Standard Chartered Kenya continues to play a critical role in facilitating trade across East Africa by leveraging its global network, strong correspondent banking relationships and advanced digital platforms. As trade dynamics evolve, the Bank remains focused on expanding access to finance, supporting sustainable economic development and partnering with clients to navigate changing market conditions.
