Victoria Commercial Bank (VCB) PLC launched its 40th anniversary milestone with Voices of Unity, an interfaith musical programme and service of thanksgiving. Held under the theme, “One Stage, Multiple Faiths, One Message,”. The event brought together leaders and internationally acclaimed artists who performed before the Bank’s clients, partners, stakeholders, Board Directors and management. Through devotional music and prayer, attendees celebrated VCB’s four-decade journey and gave thanks for the customers and employees who have shaped its success, while offering prayers for the continued peace and prosperity of Kenya.
VCB first began as an initiative of the St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu, under Bishop Henry Okullu, who sought to fight poverty and financial exclusion at the Lake Victoria Basin. Businessman Kanji D. Pattni then mobilized its founding capital and opened as Victoria Finance Company at Victor House, Nairobi and later converted into a commercial bank, moving to Upper Hill as its headquarters to serve corporate and industrial clients.
“Our different faiths and traditions enrich who we are, but it is our shared values – respect, compassion and service – that bring us together. As Victoria Commercial Bank celebrates 40 years, may we continue building a future in which every person feels valued and every community can thrive.” Board Chair Mrs Ketaki Sheth.
Today VCB operates six branches nationally, and its total asset base sits at 70B. The bank’s customer lifespan has significantly grown to an average of 15 years. The bank has been recognized on numerous occasions to be the Most Customer-Centric Bank at the Think Business Banking Awards as well as Best Bank in Digital Banking and Best Bank to Borrow From. The bank is now pursuing a digital-first strategy to include “smart branches”. VCB has also introduced Green Financing for SMEs and has worked tirelessly to assist Faraja Cancer Support Trust for over five-year partnership which provides financial support for children battling cancer.
“Reaching 40 years is a great milestone for Victoria Commercial Bank. It reflects the trust of our customers, the dedication of our people and the strength of the relationships we have built over four decades. As we look ahead, our ambition is to remain a trusted financial partner while becoming more innovative, accessible and responsive to the evolving needs of the generations we serve.”
— Chief Executive Officer, Dr Yogesh Pattni
At Victoria Commercial Bank, inclusion has been firmly embedded in who we are and how we lead. Women make up 55% of the workforce, manage 66% of our branches, hold 50% of our middle-management positions and account for 38% of our C-suite and senior-management roles, while the Board is also chaired by a woman. These figures reflect a workplace where women are not only represented, but are trusted to lead, influence decisions and shape the Bank’s future. We are proud to be advancing meaningful inclusion within the financial services sector.
The bank has quickly positioned itself as an innovative corporate bank whose customer-first approach has seen it have a steady balance of relationship banking, serving niche tailor-made solutions while pushing the bar in digital innovation.
