BML 211 Wba Sept-Dec 2021
BML 211 Wba Sept-Dec 2021
BML 211 Wba Sept-Dec 2021
SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
INSTRUCTIONS:
The overall objective of the EAC Financial Sector Development and Regionalization
Project (FSDRP) is the establishment of a single market in financial services. In this
regard, the main objective of the EAC policies regarding the banking sector is to attain a
single market in banking services as a means to promote sustainable economic growth
in the Partner States and higher levels of financial inclusion.
The banking sector is playing a major role in propelling regional financial integration in
the EAC region by adopting a regional business model motivated by a range of factors
including client-demand and opportunities perceived along the regional trade
corridors.
The commercial banking industry in Kenya is the fourth largest in Sub Saharan Africa
after South Africa, Nigeria and Mauritius with 43 commercial banks and 2 mortgage
finance institutions. The Tanzania Banking system has 26 commercial banks whereas
there are 21 commercial banks in Uganda. The Rwanda banking system has 8
commercial banks, 1 development bank and 1 mortgage bank. The Burundi banking
industry is comprised of 7 commercial banks, 1 development bank and 1 housing fund.
Cross-border expansion of banking in the region started in the 2000’s with Kenyan
banks setting up in other EAC Partner States. As at the end of 2012, Kenyan banks had
set up a substantial branch network with 251 branches in the EAC (and also 31 branches
in South Sudan). A total of 11 multinational and Kenyan owned banks are performing
with cross-border banking business in the EAC.
Five (5) Kenyan banks with branches within the region include Kenya Commercial
Bank (KCB), Equity Bank, Fina Bank, Commercial Bank of Africa. Interest from banks
In all EAC countries, the commercial banks established national umbrella bodies,
known as Bankers’ Associations to promote member banks’ interests and endeavor a
reputable and professional banking sector. From the perspective of EAC
regionalization, an efficient and stable banking sector is a prerequisite for achieving
sustainable growth in EAC countries where the majority of financial intermediation
takes place through commercial banks.
With this regard, moving towards legal and regulatory harmonization against the
international standards known as the Basel Core Principles (BCPs) is critical to achieve
an effective functioning of a single market in banking services.
Required;
a) From the case study above, discuss five (5) reasons for the slow growth of
commercial banks in Africa (5 Marks)
First, the capacity for fiscal intervention – at least among developed economies – has been
underutilized. As former United States Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Frank Newman argued
in a recent book, Freedom from National Debt, a country’s capacity for fiscal intervention is
better assessed by examining its aggregate balance sheet than by the traditional method of
Reliance on the traditional method has resulted in missed opportunities, particularly given that
productive public-sector investment can more than pay for itself. Investments in infrastructure,
education, and technology help drive long-term growth. They increase competitiveness, facilitate
innovation, and boost private-sector returns, generating growth and employment. It does not take
costs.
Research by the International Monetary Fund has indicated that these fiscal multipliers – the
economies with excess capacity (including human capital) and a high degree of structural
In the Kenya, for instance, structural flexibility contributed to economic recovery and helped the
country adapt to long-term technological changes and global market forces. In Europe, by
contrast, structural change faces resistance. Fiscal stimulus in Europe may still be justified, but
structural rigidity will lower its impact on long-term growth. Europe’s fiscal interventions would
flexibility.
A third piece of the forecast puzzle is the disparity between the behavior of financial markets and
that of the real economy. Judged only by asset prices, one would have to conclude that growth is
A major contributor to this divergence has been ultra-loose monetary policy, which, by flooding
financial markets with liquidity, was supposed to boost growth. But it remains unclear whether
elevated asset prices are supporting aggregate demand or mainly shifting the distribution of
wealth. It is equally unclear what will happen to asset prices when monetary assistance is
withdrawn.
examples of governments abusing their powers to favor the ruling elite, their supporters, and a
variety of special interests, with detrimental effects on regulation, public investment, the delivery
of services, and growth. It is critically important that public services, public investment, and
public policy are well managed. Countries that attract and motivate skilled public managers
Finally, and most important, the magnitude and duration of the drop in aggregate demand has
been greater than expected, partly because employment and median incomes have been lagging
behind growth. This phenomenon preceded the crisis, and high levels of household debt have
exacerbated its impact in the aftermath. The stagnation of incomes in the bottom 75% of the
undermines social cohesion (and thus political stability and effectiveness), and decreases
b) The case study explains that the commercial banks established national umbrella
association (5 Marks)
Members also benefit from regular updates and bulletins concerning compliance issues
including calendars for final rulings, as well as group discussions about how to
Associations offer extensive training in other banking areas, often breaking such training
down by standard job description so that members may best take advantage of training
associations understand the needs of the banking industry, and united groups can effect
Most bankers enjoy comprehensive benefits packages. Large banks typically offer medical,
dental and vision insurance to its bankers and their families. Bankers have access to a
retirement plan, life insurance, disability insurance and flexible spending accounts for health
care and child care. Other commonly offered bank job benefits include paid time off, free
Fulfilling Career
Banking is a fulfilling career choice for individuals who want to help the public. Bankers
play an essential role in society by protecting, investing and lending money. Many play a
direct role in helping clients' make some of the most important decisions of their lives,
such as saving for college, purchasing homes and planning for their business and
retirement needs. Bankers also have opportunities to fulfill their civic desires
c) Explain five (5) strategies that banks in East Africa can use in order to develop
rapidly
(5 Marks)
Banks range in size and capabilities, so banking business development will vary from market to
market. Small banks may only have one or two branch offices whereas large commercial banks
may have thousands of branches across the nation. Regardless of the size of the bank, each
branch needs to tailor local marketing strategies to serve the immediate community. Consumers
bank in a place where they feel safe and comfortable. This means tellers and account
representatives who speak English as well as any prominent language in the community. By
having branch managers look at the local community needs, the bank can attract a larger
Product Bundling
A successful strategy employed by all banks is product bundling, such as offering a free
checking account for those who open a savings account, according to Bank Systems &
Technology. Because this has become common practice, successful strategies implement creative
bundling solutions. An automatic home line of credit with a mortgage refinance might be a
solution when interest rates are low or the community has a large percentage of consumers
Pre-Approved Products
Consumers are more likely to say yes to something when they already know they are approved
for it, including pre-approved products that pop up on a computer screen, according to The
Financial Brand. Banks can review existing accounts to determine positive banking and credit
Teller Referrals
Bank tellers interact with the majority of the bank clientele. Tellers perform the day-to-day
transactions, such as cashing checks, making deposits or transferring money. Successful banks
consistently train tellers to look for opportunities to cross-sell bank products and refer customers
to the right person. A teller may see a regular customer cash a dividend check and refer the
person to the investment specialist. The teller may see a high savings balance and suggest a
higher-earning time certificate. Smart banks reward top referring tellers to entice them to take the
Premier Services
Premier services are designed to attract high net worth bank clientele; this is an effective strategy
to increase bank deposits. High net worth clients often have different needs as well as
expectations. By offering a select set of private bankers to personally handle all transactions and
account reviews, client trust increases. Service is often better with private bankers able to focus