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What are commercial banks
Commercial banks are financial institutions licensed to offer financial services to the general public through provision of loans and deposit taking.
Are commercial banks in Kenya regulated?
All the commercial banks in Kenya are regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya which formulates monetary policy to maintain price stability. The Central Bank also issues currency, offers clearing and settlement system act as fiscal agent of the government.
Roles of commercial banks
- Deposit taking- banks are safe place for individuals to keep their money as they have safes where they store money and customer can access their money back anytime they need it.
- Issue of loans- customers with good credit history and ability to pay can apply for loans from banks which they then pay back over an agreed period of time.
- Foreign Exchange-if you are having or you need currencies other than the Kenya shillings you can buy or sell at the bank at an agreed exchange rate.
- Financial advice- banks have credit officer and relationship persons who advise customer on best investment opportunities and how to best use their money.
- 5. Keep valuable- valuables like title deeds, jewelry and academic documents can be deposited with bank for safe custody for a fee.
- Act as trustee- if an individual appoints a bank to act as its trustee, they will manage their properties in case they pass on.
List of Kenya’s commercial banks.
- ABC Bank
- Absa Bank
- Access Bank
- Bank of Africa
- Bank of Baroda
- Bank of India
- Citibank
- Consolidated Bank of Kenya
- Cooperative Bank of Kenya
- Credit Bank
- Development Bank of Kenya
- Diamond Trust Bank
- Dubai Islamic Bank
- Ecobank Kenya
- Equity Bank Kenya
- Family Bank
- First Community Bank
- Guaranty Trust Bank Kenya
- Guardian Bank
- Gulf African Bank
- Habib Bank AG Zurich
- Housing Finance Company of Kenya
- I&M Bank
- Imperial Bank Kenya
- Kingdom Bank Limited
- Kenya Commercial Bank
- Mayfair Bank
- Middle East Bank Kenya
- M Oriental Bank
- National Bank of Kenya
- NCBA Bank Kenya
- Paramount Universal Bank
- Prime Bank
- SBM Bank Kenya
- Sidian Bank
- Spire Bank
- Stanbic Holdings Plc
- Standard Chartered Kenya
- United Bank for Africa
- Victoria Commercial Bank