Standard Chartered’s Edith Chumba shares insights on smart investing—diversification, digital wealth tools, and global market access.
In today’s fast-evolving financial landscape, diversification remains the cornerstone of resilient wealth building. Leading this narrative is Edith Chumba, Head of Wealth & Retail Banking, Kenya & East Africa at Standard Chartered Bank. She champions a strategy that blends global access, digital innovation, and financial education to empower modern investors.
A Leader with Deep Expertise
Chumba brings over 21 years of experience in retail banking, from her early career at Absa to her leadership role at Standard Chartered, which she joined in 2015. Since becoming Head of Wealth & Retail Banking in 2019—and later joining the bank’s board in December 2024—she has driven a transformation across the division. Her focus has been on digital scaling while still offering personalized advisory services for clients.
Global Wealth Strategy Anchored Locally
Standard Chartered has backed its Kenyan operations with a US $1.5 billion investment over five years to target the affluent segment. This commitment is part of the bank’s global campaign, “Now’s Your Time for Wealth”
As Edith explains:
“We are well positioned to continue showing them market opportunities and supporting their wealth ambitions with our diversified wealth product offering.”
Award-Winning Digital and Retail Fusion
Standard Chartered Kenya’s digital-first approach has received regional recognition. In 2025, the bank won honors including Best Hybrid Wealth Management Offering – EMEA and Best Digital Wealth Platform – EMEA.
“We are leveraging technology to scale solutions while maintaining the human touch that’s critical for meaningful financial planning.”
Expansive Investment Options with Digital Access
Under Chumba’s leadership, Standard Chartered expanded its portfolio to include:
- US corporate and government bonds
- Signature CIO global funds
- ESG-themed investments
- USD money market products
All these are available through the bank’s digital platform, giving clients the ability to buy, track, and manage their portfolios seamlessly
The bank also guides clients through its SC Wealth Select framework—“Today, Tomorrow, Forever”—helping plan for short-, mid-, and long-term goals
Wealth Growth Backed by Strong Fundamentals
Standard Chartered Kenya’s strategy is underpinned by solid financial performance:
- 2023 pre-tax profit: KSh 16.2 billion (~US$120 million), a 29% increase year-on-year (BusinessWorld Africa).
- Wealth AUMs: Grew by 27%, reflecting strong investor appetite (MarketScreener).
- Return on Assets (ROA): 3.4%, above the industry average of 2.3% (BusinessWorld Africa).
- Non-Performing Loans (NPLs): Held low at ~5.2% through prudent lending (BusinessWorld Africa).
- Digital penetration: 89% of transactions processed online, enabling branch rationalization and cost savings (BusinessWorld Africa).
Why This Matters to Investors Globally
For international readers, Standard Chartered’s strategy offers lessons in resilient investing:
Educated Investing – Financial literacy initiatives to build confidence among emerging investors.
Diversification First – Spread risk across asset types and geographies.
Digital Access – Leverage mobile and online platforms for global investing.
Global Reach with Local Expertise – International solutions customized for local markets.