Nasim Devji’s leadership as Group CEO and Managing Director at Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has earned her a significant spot in the Kenyan banking sector. In a field once dominated by local banks, Nasim redefined regional banking, promoting cross-border transactions and economic cooperation.
Born and raised in Kenya, Devji pursued her education in the United Kingdom, earning her qualification as a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). She is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, a Fellow of the Kenya Institute of Bankers, and a Member of the Kenya Institute of Directors. This exposure shaped her sharp analytical skills and exposed her to global financial systems.
Deji’s career at Diamond Trust Bank (DTB).
In 1996, Nasim Mohamed Devji began the most significant chapter of her career when she joined Diamond Trust Bank (DTB). At that time, DTB was a mid-sized financial institution with a local presence in Kenya. Devji initially served as the Regional Financial Controller and later advanced to become the Group CEO and Managing Director five years later.
Nasim Devji had long-term aspirations for DTB from the beginning. She envisioned a bank serving Kenya and becoming a leading financial institution across East Africa. The financial sector in East Africa was still developing, and cross-border banking was still in progress. Moreover, regional expansion was something that only a few dared to pursue. Despite that, she aimed to make Diamond Trust Bank a regional powerhouse by expanding across East Africa and modernizing its operations to meet market needs.
Regional banking made possible.
DTB began strategically expanding into neighbouring countries, including Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi, with Devji on board. This move allowed the bank to tap into new markets. The CEO also saw the importance of technology in the future of banking. She ensured the bank was prepared to offer modern banking solutions appealing to a younger, tech-savvy customer base.
That made DTB focus on improving the experience for its growing customer base. Devji ensured customers could easily access their funds and manage their finances regardless of national boundaries. She also works closely with local governments and regulatory bodies to ensure that the bank enters new markets seamlessly.
Nasim Devji skillfully balances outstanding strategies with a people-centric approach. Her leadership style is transparent, trusting, diplomacy, patience, and open communication. She encourages her teams to look beyond short-term goals and imagine the future of banking in a manner that connects local needs with global opportunities.
Under Nasim Devji’s leadership, DTB has become synonymous with cross-border excellence. Today, DTB is celebrated as one of the region’s premier financial institutions and is a model for other banks. She understands the East African market, which helps her take calculated risks for the bank. With Nasim Devji, East Africa has found a leader whose vision for regional banking they can trust.
