Lola Nyawanga
Nairobi
Summary
A highly skilled professional with a solid background in relationship management, business banking, and strategic consulting. Demonstrated ability to drive business development, negotiate and close complex agreements, and manage relationships. Proficient in risk management, market research, and financial structuring. A strategic thinker with a track record of enhancing organizational performance and securing cost-effective solutions to support infrastructure expansion.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Branch Manager
I&M Bank Kenya Limited
05.2023 - Current
- Led strategic negotiations and client engagements to drive business at branch level
- Cultivated relationships with key industry executives and stakeholders to ensure seamless business operations and business development
- Oversaw portfolio growth, business banking strategy, and credit risk management, ensuring a sustainable asset book and minimal non-performing assets
- Conducted financial analysis, including NPV calculations and ROI assessments, to optimize resource allocation and enhance business profitability
- Spearheaded strategic partnerships to drive fintech expansion and enhance customer reach
- Conducted regular risk assessments, aligning with overarching health and wellbeing strategies to safeguard business continuity
- Ensure NPA of below 5% for borrowing clients
- Tackled business challenges head-on, leading teams to overcome obstacles and drive improvements in both revenue and sales
- Achieved a balance sheet growth of 100% in the first year on the asset book
Relationship Manager – Business Banking
ABSA Bank Kenya PLC
04.2018 - 03.2023
- Led strategic business negotiations with financial institutions, fintechs, and clients to secure high-value agreements and partnerships to the bank
- Structured and executed complex financial transactions, including credit underwriting and capital structuring
- Drove market expansion through strategic alliances and client partnerships, increasing financial product penetration
- Provided financial modeling expertise, conducting return on investment (ROI) and network present value (NPV) calculations
- Spearheaded initiatives for SMEs, including Women in Business programs, fostering economic empowerment and infrastructure development
- Developed and executed business banking strategies, ensuring alignment with overall business goals and facilitating growth across key regions in East Africa
- Conducted thorough credit risk assessments, ensuring minimal non-performing loans (NPLs) and maintaining asset quality across the portfolio while spearheaded strategic initiatives for portfolio growth while ensuring compliance with credit and risk policies
- Actively contributed to the development of business strategies for women in business under SME initiatives and provided insights into industry trends and market opportunities
- Managed and grew a high-value credit portfolio, reducing unauthorized overdrafts and overdue reviews through sound credit structuring
- Optimized revenue growth through improved portfolio health and enhanced customer-centric strategies
- Successfully delivered a 100% execution rate on business banking initiatives, driving revenue growth and market expansion
- Spearheaded the Women in Business initiative, supporting women entrepreneurs through strategic SME programs
- Awarded the best relationship manager
Relationship Banker – Corporate Banking
African Banking Corporation
06.2015 - 05.2018
- Managed a diverse portfolio of corporate clients, overseeing risk management, market research, and client relationship development
- Identified and targeted new clients in line with the bank’s growth strategy, contributing to a sustainable revenue pipeline and new business mandates
- Fostered strong relationships with key clients, driving strategic engagement and identifying new business opportunities
- Led complex negotiations and closed large strategic deals, aligning client needs with the bank’s revenue targets and long-term goals
- Championed the alignment of the NPL book for business banking in the Coast region, ensuring adherence to credit policies and minimizing risks
- Conducted industry research to identify emerging trends and growth opportunities, providing innovative solutions to clients
- Delivered a high-performance client management process that resulted in significant growth in revenue and new business acquisition
- Acted as SME Cluster Manager in the absence of the Business Sector Head, leading regional business operations
Relationship Banker
Guaranty Trust Bank Limited
02.2013 - 05.2015
- Analyzed financial statements, prepared credit applications, and monitored client portfolios to ensure sound financial performance
- Built and maintained strong working relationships with clients, optimizing the use of approved financial facilities
- Ensured strict control over financial analysis, documentation, and client visits to minimize risk and enhance portfolio quality
- Promoted from retail banking to business banking based on outstanding performance in portfolio management and client engagement
New Business Officer
Standard Chartered Bank
08.2012 - 03.2013
- Identified client needs and provided tailored solutions in investment, risk management, and wealth management
- Managed sales pipelines, closed sales deals, and maintained strong relationships with clients through a well-coordinated referral system
- Conducted research projects and produced monthly reports to provide actionable insights for business development
- Identified and met 80% of client needs through customized product offerings, significantly improving client satisfaction
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics Major, Sociology Minor
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
10.2011
MBA - Strategic Management
University of Nairobi
12.2025
Microsoft Office Suite Specialist -
Institute of Advanced Technology
01.2007
Skills
- Team leadership and management
- Strategic negotiations
- Client management
- Relationship deepening
- Stakeholder management
- Financial consultation
- Complex transaction management
- Portfolio management
- Business development
- Administration
- Client retention
- Market research
- Financial analysis
- Credit analysis
- Product penetration
- Credit policy
- Business agreements
- Offer letter structuring
- Financial modeling
- NPV calculations
- ROI analysis
- Training
Accomplishments
A dynamic and results-driven Branch and Strategic Manager with extensive experience in strategic negotiations, business development, and financial analysis. Proven expertise in securing high-value business agreements with bank clients, partners, and stakeholders in financial services, fintech, and infrastructure sectors. Adept at managing complex transactions, fostering key relationships, and driving revenue growth through innovative strategies. Strong leadership skills, coupled with deep analytical and financial acumen, including net present value (NPV) calculations, agreement structuring, and return on investment (ROI) analysis.
Personal Information
Title: Business Development Manager
Languages
English
Full Professional
Swahili
Native or Bilingual
German
Limited Working
Additional Information
Reference;
Fredrick Kyalo
Relationship Manager
Standard Chartered Bank
+254 712 374 919
kyalofredick@ymail.com
Josiah Muhia
Head of Department - Corporate
Banking
ABC Bank
+254 710 464 670
Irene Njoki
Senior Credit Manager
Absa Bank Kenya Limited
+254 721397115
Timeline
Branch Manager
I&M Bank Kenya Limited
05.2023 - Current
Relationship Manager – Business Banking
ABSA Bank Kenya PLC
04.2018 - 03.2023
Relationship Banker – Corporate Banking
African Banking Corporation
06.2015 - 05.2018
Relationship Banker
Guaranty Trust Bank Limited
02.2013 - 05.2015
New Business Officer
Standard Chartered Bank
08.2012 - 03.2013
MBA - Strategic Management
University of Nairobi
Microsoft Office Suite Specialist -
Institute of Advanced Technology
Bachelor of Arts - Economics Major, Sociology Minor
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
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