Few leaders have reshaped Rwanda’s financial landscape as decisively as Diane Karusisi. Since becoming CEO of the Bank of Kigali (BK) in 2016, she has driven a bold transformation marked by strategic growth and a culture of innovation, firmly establishing BK as a powerhouse in the country’s banking sector.
Founded in 1966, BK is Rwanda’s largest commercial bank, offering diverse financial services to individuals, SMEs, and large corporations. Under Karusisi’s guidance, BK has experienced significant milestones, including becoming the first Rwandan company to list on the Rwanda and Nairobi Stock Exchanges in 2018.
Before her tenure at BK, Diane Karusisi built a solid career across the public and private sectors. She served as the Director General of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda and held the Head of Strategy and Policy role at the Office of the President. With a PhD in Quantitative Economics from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, she also contributed to academia by teaching economic statistics.
Recognising the growing importance of technology in banking, Karusisi has spearheaded initiatives to modernise BK’s operations. One of the key developments under her leadership has been the establishment of the BK Digital Factory, which aims to enhance the bank’s digital capabilities and improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
In 2022, BK secured a significant sponsorship deal with the Kigali Arena, now known as BK Arena. This deal marks a commitment to financial growth and community engagement. The six-year partnership, worth Rwf 7 billion (About $4.9 million), shows the bank’s efforts to increase brand visibility while supporting local initiatives.
Diane Karusisi has also prioritised financial inclusion and gender equality, reflecting her belief in accessible banking for all. The bank’s focus on underserved populations, particularly women and small businesses, is evident in its workforce composition, where 52% of BK’s employees are women, and its partnerships, such as joining the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Global Trade Finance Program in 2023. This partnership provided BK with a $20 million trade finance facility, which has bolstered the bank’s ability to support SMEs, especially those owned by women.
“Women are more sensitive to issues around inclusion because they are the ones who have always been excluded, traditionally and economically. That’s why it is absolutely critical to me that more women are getting jobs and being promoted at the bank,” Karusisi told the CEO Magazine.
According to KT news, BK group reported a net profit of Rwf 74.8 billion (About $52 million) in 2023, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by a rise in interest and non-interest income, demonstrating the bank’s successful diversification strategy. The bank’s total assets reached Rwf 2.1 trillion (about 1.47 billion), with customer deposits growing by 28%, reflecting strong confidence in its services.
The businesswoman’s vision for the Bank of Kigali continues to evolve, focusing on expanding digital services, improving financial inclusion, and driving sustainable growth. As the bank experiences the opportunities and challenges of the future, Karusisi’s leadership is expected to remain central to its ongoing impact on Rwanda’s economic development.
