Open To Work
Benson Maina
Nairobi
Summary
Seasoned Banking Professional with over 14 years in trend monitoring, market pricing, and deal-making. Expertise in developing financial plans and presenting tailored financing options aligned with client needs and risk tolerance. Proven ability to enhance customer satisfaction through exceptional service and informed investment advice based on market analysis.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Business Officer
LIPAWARE AFRICA LTD
04.2025 - Current
- Spearheaded strategic business development initiatives that directly contributed to company growth and expansion.
- Drove P&L, revenue generation, bottom-line and top-line growth, and increased market share. Contracted 2 micro finance banks, 4 PSPs, and 2 merchant aggregators across East Africa on the payment gateway in the last 4 months.
- Identified potential partners for white-labeled payment gateway across Africa, cultivating key relationships and capitalizing on collaboration opportunities.
- Led sales team in onboarding client partners with innovative payment solutions, developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve sales targets.
- Lipaware is a start-up payments technology company that empowers Banks, PSPs & MFIs with seamless, white-label financial solutions across Africa.
Co-Founder & Commercial Lead
SC VENTURES- SOLV KENYA
06.2022 - 10.2024
- Co-founded this financial ecosystem platform the 1st in Kenya, guiding product development from conception to launch and overseeing scale-up/development of the commercial arm of the business in a constrained market.
- Drove 10% MoM growth in GTV (Gross Transactional Value) from commercialization in 2023 to ARR of Kes 3B in 2024, capturing 20% market share in product penetration.
- Managed a Monthly $2M+ portfolio of products across multiple lines of business including business loans, invoice-based financing, Small Micro Enterprises (SMEs), and Finance Management Services (FMS).
- Secured 6 financial institution partners for Solv Platform within 2 years, facilitating access to financial products for over 20,000 MSMEs nationwide.
- Developed strategies for increasing market share in existing markets as well as identifying opportunities to enter new markets or expand into adjacent industries.
- Collaborated with senior management on developing long-term strategic plans that align with corporate goals and objectives while also meeting short-term financial targets.
- A Standard Chartered Group subsidiary company operating a digital platform for facilitating trade and financing for MSMEs businesses in Kenya. The platform is Bank Agnostic.
Commercial Lead
SC VENTURES
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Interpreted and clarified complex strategic/business questions from internal and external stakeholders to structure analysis and provide actionable investment recommendations.
- Developed Solv Kenya project's strategy in Standard Chartered Ventures program, effectively communicating achievements, key lessons, and best practices to stakeholders.
- Conducted ideation and strategic reviews by the market to ensure optimization of innovation portfolio relative to market opportunity.
- Analyzed market to determine optimal pricing for SMEs financial service providers and leveraged emerging opportunities.
- A business unit that provides a platform & catalyst for Standard Chartered to promote innovation, invest in disruptive financial technology.
Head - Kenya Ecosystem Management Team-Corporate and Institution Banking
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK
04.2019 - 07.2021
- Launched supply chain financing management team under EMT Model, enhancing anchor engagement to unlock distributor and supplier financing opportunities in Kenyan market.
- Approved transaction of $25M limit within 2 months of launch and oversaw successful utilization of $16M by end of the year 2019.
- Grew revenue by 40% YoY in the ecosystem portfolio in 2020 with a budget performance of 110%.
- Engaged 8 multinational companies to establish distributor finance programs in 2019, targeting a balance sheet potential of $120M.
- A leading international banking group, with a presence in more than 60 of the world's most dynamic markets.
Supply Chain Finance Manager -Corporate and Institution Banking
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK
04.2018 - 03.2019
- Achieved revenue growth on portfolio under management of over 50% YOY with nil takeovers to competition in the last 2 years.
- Analyzed client accounts to identify underperforming areas, resulting in a 15% increase in average revenue.
- Fostered a customer-focused environment, resolving issues and securing repeat business from satisfied clients over 3 years.
- Streamlined business processes by ensuring policy continuity and aligning procedures with work unit goals.
Corporate Banking Relationship Manager
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK
09.2015 - 03.2018
- Achieved over 50% YOY revenue growth on managed portfolio while maintaining client retention with no takeovers to competition over 2 years.
- Presented and led discussions on credit facilities, driving 100% YOY growth in balance sheet assets and liabilities.
- Closed the first-ever healthcare deal in East Africa for SCB and led the financing of a well-equipped children's hospital in Kenya as well as an Olkaria geothermal (green energy) project.
- Developed risk/compliance analysis, enhancing accuracy of services and product usage, contributing to nil portfolio provisioning over 2 years.
Associate Relationship Manager & Credit analyst
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK
09.2012 - 08.2015
- Successfully assisted the business unit to generate sales of over $1M in FX as the branch FX champion.
- Supported 8 high-value segment relationship managers and 10 business portfolio managers in structuring business credit and deals to maximize revenue.
- Overhauled processes and re-evaluated policies to enhance service delivery for over 500 business clients.
- Completed management training program in product management, credit and operations, serving as business portfolio manager for 6 months.
Retail Sales Executive
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS EAST AFRICA
03.2011 - 06.2012
- Coached and mentored over 20 sales representatives on product knowledge and unique selling points - USPs and grew market share by 25%.
- Implemented the Sales Persons Loyalty Program, and played a role in managing the e-warranty reward scheme in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia while supervising a team of 700 salespersons.
- Produced weekly and monthly sales performance reports with actionable recommendations to achieve sales goals.
- Served as primary technological information source for 45+ coworkers on high-detail application.
- Led global technology initiatives that expanded access to innovative solutions for individuals worldwide.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Marketing
Chartered Institute of Marketing
UK03-2026
Master of Science - Marketing
The University of Nairobi
Nairobi Kenya01-2022
Trade and Working Capital Training -
Standard Chartered Bank
Nairobi Kenya01-2018
Advanced Supply chain Financing Training -
Standard Chartered Bank
01-2018
Core Credit Certification -
Credit Skills Appraisal Program
01-2015
Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing
The University of Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya01-2010
K.C.S.E -
Nyeri High School
01-2004
Skills
- Strategy Development
- Financial strategy
- Financial Analysis
- Market analysis
- Customer Acquisition
- Business Development
- Portfolio Management
- Operational strategy
- Leadership
- Team Leadership
- Strategic management
- Partnerships
References
- James Mucheke, Chief Risk Officer, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, +254-0-717-151-870, James.mucheke@sc.com
- Fred Michuki, Managing Director, Mobile Financial Solutions (MFS), +254-0-722-730-336, fred.michuki@mfs.co.ke
- Francisca Korir, Former-Head of Local corporates, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, +254-0-722-309-805
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteOn-SiteHybridSalary Range
$1/yr - $150000/yrTimeline
Chief Business Officer
LIPAWARE AFRICA LTD
04.2025 - Current
Co-Founder & Commercial Lead
SC VENTURES- SOLV KENYA
06.2022 - 10.2024
Commercial Lead
SC VENTURES
08.2021 - 06.2022
Head - Kenya Ecosystem Management Team-Corporate and Institution Banking
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK
04.2019 - 07.2021
Supply Chain Finance Manager -Corporate and Institution Banking
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK
04.2018 - 03.2019
Corporate Banking Relationship Manager
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK
09.2015 - 03.2018
Associate Relationship Manager & Credit analyst
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK
09.2012 - 08.2015
Retail Sales Executive
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS EAST AFRICA
03.2011 - 06.2012
Post Graduate Diploma - Marketing
Chartered Institute of Marketing
Master of Science - Marketing
The University of Nairobi
Trade and Working Capital Training -
Standard Chartered Bank
Advanced Supply chain Financing Training -
Standard Chartered Bank
Core Credit Certification -
Credit Skills Appraisal Program
Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing
The University of Nairobi
K.C.S.E -
Nyeri High School