On October 31st, NCBA Bank hosted an exclusive Platinum Banking and Investment Bank soirée at the stunning Almanara Hotel in Diani.
The event, co-curated with iconic partners The Macallan and Sandstorm Africa, brought together high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) from Kenya’s Coast for an evening of whisky pairings, handcrafted gifting, and meaningful financial conversations.
A Toast to Taste and Trust
Guests were treated to a curated Macallan whisky experience, bespoke cocktails, and Sandstorm’s premium leather gifts; all set against the backdrop of Diani’s pristine beaches. But this wasn’t just about indulgence. It was about intentional engagement, wealth consultations, and exclusive access.
“For today’s discerning clientele, experiences go beyond mere luxury; they embody identity, access, and a sense of belonging,” said Kilonzo Muathi, Managing Director, NCBA Investment Bank.
Craftsmanship Meets Capital
Sandstorm Africa added a distinct Kenyan flair, showcasing handcrafted pieces inspired by local artistry and global luxury standards.
“Luxury is not just about products, it’s about stories, relationships, and shared appreciation for things made with intention,” said Shem Opiyo, CEO, Sandstorm Africa.
Why Diani?
As Kenya ranks fifth in the Africa Wealth Report 2025 with over 6,800 HNWIs, Diani offered the perfect setting to reflect the refined taste and lifestyle aspirations of NCBA’s premium clientele. The evening also marked the formal introduction of Kilonzo Muathi to the bank’s coastal clients, reinforcing NCBA’s commitment to personalised banking.
Banking Beyond the Branch
This event is part of NCBA’s broader strategy to redefine banking through lifestyle. From whisky pairings and jazz nights to estate succession forums and fintech innovation, the bank is tapping into what matters most to its clients.
In July, NCBA hosted a succession planning forum in partnership with Owiti, Otieno & Ragot Advocates and NCBA Bancassurance Life. The forum addressed wills, trusts, tax implications, and the importance of early planning, a need, as only 30% of Kenya’s wealthy have formal succession plans despite 70% intending to pass on wealth within a decade.
“Our customers are seeking comprehensive financial advice not just on investments, but on legal and estate matters too,” said Dennis Njau, Acting Group Director, Retail Banking.
Business Platinum Account: Banking That Matches Your Ambition
For businesses that move fast and transact often, NCBA’s Business Platinum Account offers the flexibility and premium service you deserve.
Fintech 2.0 and ConnectPlus: The Future of Banking
NCBA’s new Fintech 2.0 platform is reshaping M-PESA with shared wallets, split payments, Tap-to-Pay, and embedded AI for fraud detection and smart pricing.
Complementing this is ConnectPlus, NCBA’s $6 million cloud-native transaction banking platform, the first of its kind in East Africa. Built on Intellect’s eMACH.ai Wholesale Banking Cloud, ConnectPlus enhances transaction speed, security, and liquidity management for corporate and SME clients.
“ConnectPlus is a major move towards becoming a dominant bank in Kenya that serves corporates and SMEs with a full array of products,” said James Gossip, Managing Director, NCBA Kenya.
The Coast region contributes significantly to Kenya’s economy, with Mombasa alone accounting for 4.8% of national gross value added. NCBA’s leadership, including MD James Gossip, recently concluded a 3-day engagement tour across Ukunda, Nyali, and Mombasa.
“Progress starts with listening to our customers, our communities, and our people,” said Gossip. “We’re here to create meaningful partnerships that unlock potential.”
