M Oriental Bank has appointed veteran banker Aristarichus Kuria Weru as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Kuria assumed office on June 5, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, succeeding Nitin S. Shendye as the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
In a notice published on Friday, M Oriental Bank thanked Shendye for his leadership, saying he played a key role in the bank’s growth. Kuria will support the leadership transition before leaving the institution.
“M Oriental Bank LTD is pleased to share the appointment of Mr. Aristarichus Kuria Weru as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, effective 05th June 2026, subject to all applicable regulatory approvals,” the bank said.
M Oriental Bank Appoints Veteran Banker Aristarichus Kuria Weru as Managing Director and CEO
The bank said the appointment is part of its efforts to strengthen leadership as it pursues its strategic objectives and long-term growth.
Speaking after his appointment, Kuria said he was honoured to lead the bank.
“It is with great humility and a deep appreciation of the responsibilities that accompany this transformation assignment as the MD & CEO that I accept this strategic opportunity to serve.”
“I thank the M-Oriental Bank board led by the chairman for the leadership privilege and opportunity they’ve all accorded me. I confidently look forward to exceptionally executing together with my ExCo and the entire team.”
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Aristarichus Kuria Banking Career
Aristarichus Kuria joins M Oriental Bank after a career spanning banking, financial services and financial technology.
Most recently, he served as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of FX Matched Ltd from November 2025 to July 2026, where he led the development of a platform designed to facilitate peer-to-peer foreign exchange transactions across Africa by connecting businesses, banks, fintech firms and payment systems.
He has also served as Executive Principal at SANDARI Limited since January 2011, advising financial institutions, investors and businesses on strategy, digital transformation and fintech.
Before that, Kuria held several executive positions at Family Bank between 2023 and 2024.
He served as Executive, Digital Transformation, from July 2023 to July 2024; Executive, Digital Financial Services, from October 2023 to February 2024; and Executive Head of Transaction Banking, from November 2023 to January 2024.
During his tenure, he oversaw digital banking, payments, agency banking, card services, innovation, and transaction banking.
Earlier, he worked at Stanbic Bank Kenya from August 2016 to September 2019 as Head of Acquisition – Business Banking.
He also served as Acting Head of Commercial Banking between January and March 2018, overseeing commercial banking operations and customer portfolio growth.
Between September 2013 and June 2016, Kuria held several leadership positions at Standard Chartered Bank, including Relationship Manager, Commercial Clients Team Leader, and Director and Team Head, Commercial Clients, where he managed commercial banking relationships and led teams serving medium-sized and corporate businesses.
He also served as Senior Relationship Manager, Corporate and SME Banking at Equity Bank from September 2012 to August 2013, managing corporate and SME clients, trade finance and lending portfolios.
Kuria began his banking career at Barclays Bank Kenya, where he worked from June 2006 to August 2012.
He started as a cashier before rising to Business Banking Relationship Manager, overseeing business banking clients, credit facilities and trade finance.
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Outside the banking sector, he founded The Kueq unLimited, a digital banking and fintech venture, serving as its Founder and CEO from June 2018 to June 2024.
He also co-founded UbaPesa Limited, where he served as Principal Founder, Executive Chairman and Seed Investor between 2017 and 2019.
Education
Kuria is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Finance at the University of Nairobi, with a focus on financial technology.
He also holds a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from the same university, a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, and has training in Android Java and Python programming from eMobilis Institute.
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