Governance & Regulatory Manager

Equity Bank is seeking a highly experienced and commercially astute Governance & Regulatory Manager to join its Legal and Company Secretarial function. Reporting through the Company Secretary, this role sits at the intersection of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and board administration — playing a pivotal part in safeguarding the Bank's adherence to all statutory, regulatory, and governance obligations.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned legal professional who understands the complexities of the Kenyan financial services regulatory landscape and can confidently engage with senior stakeholders, board members, and regulators. You will be the engine behind smooth board operations, timely regulatory reporting, and continuous improvement of governance frameworks across the institution.

• Proactively monitor changes in legislation and the regulatory environment, translating developments into actionable briefings for Management and the Board.
• Maintain accurate, secure, and well-organised records of board and committee minutes in compliance with statutory requirements.
• Coordinate the logistics and documentation for Board meetings, Committee meetings, and Annual General Meetings (AGMs).
• Draft and circulate board meeting agendas, timetables, and supporting documentation in advance of scheduled meetings.
• Ensure all statutory declarations, filings, and returns are submitted accurately and on time to the relevant regulatory authorities.
• Maintain a current and accurate register of directors, secretaries, and other statutory records.
• Support the Company Secretary in the timely preparation and dissemination of board papers and associated materials.
• Oversee the timely submission of regulatory reports, letters, and correspondence to bodies including the CBK, CMA, and other relevant regulators.
• Conduct periodic reviews and updates of governance documents, policies, charters, and frameworks.
• Plan and deliver induction and ongoing training programmes for new and existing directors on corporate governance obligations, fiduciary duties, and best practices.
• Provide advisory support on governance matters, channelled appropriately through the Company Secretary.
• Support the integration of commercial objectives with governance and compliance requirements without compromising institutional standards.

• Demonstrate a minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in legal practice and company secretarial work, ideally within a financial institution or regulated entity.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of Kenya's regulatory environment, including CBK prudential guidelines, the Companies Act, Capital Markets regulations, and relevant corporate governance codes.
• Analyse complex regulatory and governance issues, distil key risks, and present clear, practical recommendations to senior leadership.
• Communicate authoritatively — both in writing and verbally — with board members, regulators, external counsel, and executive management.
• Manage multiple competing priorities with excellent organisational discipline, initiative, and minimal supervision.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrate the ethical leadership required when handling sensitive board and regulatory matters.
• Influence senior management and board-level stakeholders through credible, evidence-based advice and strong personal presence.
• Balance governance rigour with commercial pragmatism, ensuring compliance obligations are met without unnecessarily impeding business operations.
• Hold and leverage a broad understanding of corporate governance best practices across the financial services sector.

Equity Bank offers a competitive and structured compensation package commensurate with the seniority of this role. Based on market benchmarks for senior legal and governance professionals in Kenya's banking sector, the estimated monthly gross salary ranges between KES 250,000 and KES 450,000, depending on experience and qualifications. The Bank also provides a comprehensive benefits package in line with its position as one of Kenya's leading financial institutions.

• Medical insurance cover (employee and dependants)
• Pension / provident fund contributions
• Performance-based annual bonus
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Staff banking benefits

Ideal Candidate: You are an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a proven track record in company secretarial practice and regulatory compliance within banking or financial services. You are known for your meticulous attention to detail, calm authority in board settings, and the ability to translate complex regulatory obligations into clear operational actions. You are professionally certified in company secretarial practice (e.g., CPS(K) or ICSA) and have successfully managed governance functions with limited oversight.

Please do NOT apply if: You have fewer than 7 years of relevant legal and company secretarial experience, are not admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, lack experience in a regulated financial services environment, or are seeking a purely litigation-focused role. This is a governance and compliance position — not a commercial or transactional legal role.

• Prepare an updated CV clearly highlighting your governance, regulatory, and company secretarial experience.
• Include a cover letter addressed to the Head of Human Resources, Equity Bank, articulating your suitability for this specific role.
• Attach certified copies of your degree certificate, Advocate admission certificate, and any relevant professional certifications.
• Submit your application through Equity Bank's official careers portal or the job platform where this listing is published.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Equity Bank is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.