Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) has kept a segment of the National Bank of Kenya’s (NBK) clients, loans, and deposits, even after NBK’s $100 million acquisition by Nigeria’s Access Bank Plc, Today Africa reports.

Several customers with accounts at both institutions chose to remain with KCB, a decision driven by the practicalities of loan arrangements secured against deposits or collateral held at the bank. By retaining these accounts, KCB ensures smoother management of complex portfolios while preserving relationships with high-performing clients.

KCB Group CEO Paul Russo explained that customers with loans secured against deposits or collateral held by KCB were better served by staying with the bank. He added that the retained portfolio was fully matched to safeguard loan security and comprised NBK clients assessed as the strongest performers since KCB assumed control of NBK in 2019.

Russo also noted that KCB’s long-standing engagement with certain NBK clients allowed it to selectively retain high-performing accounts, ensuring continuity for customers with intertwined banking relationships.