Co-operative Bank of Kenya has launched its new Executive Plus Lounge at Westlands Square, a premium space for exclusive banking, personalized wealth planning and business support. The lounge has an executive boardroom fully equipped for business meetings and high-level discussions. The bank plans to roll out this offering to 10 more branches across the country including Nyali, Eldoret (Rupa Mall), Nakuru, Kisumu, Gigiri and Karen.

This is part of the bank’s ongoing effort to elevate the executive banking experience and cater to the growing needs of its affluent customers.

A Premium Banking Experience for Executives

At the Executive Banking Captains Club Networking Forum, Lena Yego, Head of Retail Banking at Co-operative Bank said: “Over the years our executive banking services have grown significantly. We started with basic services, primarily focused on transactions. But through customer feedback and market trends we have taken bold steps to enhance the experience. Today it’s much more than just banking; it’s a comprehensive service designed to meet the needs of our high-net-worth clients.”

The Executive Plus Lounge is not just a space for banking but a full-service hub for wealth management, business advisory and the resources clients need to succeed in today’s fast paced financial world.

Business Meetings Made Easy

One of the key features of the Executive Plus Lounge is the fully equipped executive boardroom available for clients to use for business meetings, discussions or presentations. This facility is designed to provide a professional environment for high level interactions so that executive banking clients have all the resources at their disposal.

With access to personalized banking and a space for professional growth clients can seamlessly blend their business and financial needs in one place.

Rolling out to 10 more branches

The bank’s premium banking doesn’t stop at Westlands Square. Co-operative Bank will roll out the Executive Plus Lounge to 10 more branches across the country so clients can enjoy the same level of service everywhere. Some of the branches that will have the lounge include Nyali, Eldoret (Rupa Mall), Nakuru, Kisumu, Gigiri and Karen.

This is part of the bank’s overall strategy to deepen its presence in the affluent market and offer exclusive services to Kenya’s high net worth individuals (HNWIs).

Co-Op’s Youth Banking Initiative: Growing Future Leaders

In addition to expanding executive banking, Co-operative Bank has launched a youth banking proposition under its executive banking arm. This is a specialized offering for young professionals and future business leaders to get exclusive opportunities for mentorship, networking and financial planning.

Mrs. Lena Yego said:

"The youth are the engine of economic growth in Kenya. We’ve identified a need to bring them into our fold more deliberately, give them access to the exclusive benefits and networks of our executive banking program. By doing so we are energizing them in their wealth management journeys, helping shape their careers with guidance of seasoned professionals."

This is targeting young individuals who are already doing well in their business and giving them the tools and support to scale their success.

Co-Op’s Regional Growth: Eyeing Regional Expansion After South Sudan Success

The launch of Executive Plus Lounge comes at a time when Co-operative Bank is positioning itself as a regional player in banking. The bank has already made a success in South Sudan, and with the rapid growth of Kenya’s affluent market, Co-Op is looking to expand regionally.

According to the 2024 Africa Wealth Report, Kenya now has over 7,200 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), a clear indication of the growing demand for premium banking services. This trend is expected to continue, with projections showing that Assets Under Management (AUM) in Kenya will hit US $8.26 billion (KES 1.06 trillion) by 2025, and steady growth to 2029.

Co-op Bank is positioning itself to serve this growing segment by offering wealth management services, investment advisory and business networking opportunities.

Executive Banking Benefits

Customers in Co-op Bank’s executive banking program can look forward to:

  • Automatic Membership to the Captains Club Network: Access to curated business networking events and forums with industry leaders.

  • Unsecured Personal Loans of up to KES 10 million.

  • Integrated Wealth and Investment Advisory Services to guide financial decision-making.

  • Visa Platinum Debit and Credit Cards with exclusive travel and lifestyle perks.

  • Free Family Banking Services for spouses and children.

These are designed to give clients a full suite of services that goes beyond banking, so they have all they need to manage and grow their wealth.

Conclusion: Elevating Kenya’s Premium Banking Experience

Co-op Bank’s Executive Plus Lounge is redefining premium banking in Kenya. With personalized services, wealth planning and business support the bank is serving the needs of high-net-worth individuals and business professionals.