Umba

Regulatory & Government Relations Advisor

Umba  •  Nairobi, KE (Onsite)  •  2 months ago
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Job Description

Regulatory & Government Relations Advisor

Location: Nairobi, Kenya Type: Contract / Advisory Duration: 6 months (with potential extension) Reports to: Group CEO
 

About Umba


Umba is a pan-African digital bank operating in Kenya and Nigeria, offering consumer and SME banking, vehicle finance, payments, and cross-border remittances. In 2023, Umba acquired a deposit-taking microfinance bank in Kenya, rebranded as Umba Microfinance Bank, which achieved 6x revenue growth in 2024. Umba is entering a high-growth phase and pursuing strategic initiatives that require deep engagement with Kenya's financial sector regulators.

Role


Umba is seeking a senior regulatory and government relations advisor based in Nairobi to lead engagement with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on strategic regulatory matters. This is a high-impact advisory engagement working directly with the Group CEO and Umba's legal counsel.
The ideal candidate has deep relationships within CBK and extensive experience navigating Kenya's banking regulatory landscape — including licensing, compliance, and approvals processes.

Key Responsibilities


Lead day-to-day engagement with CBK on licensing, compliance, and strategic regulatory matters Advise on Kenya's banking regulatory framework, including license categories and upgrade pathways Attend in-person meetings at CBK and coordinate with Umba's legal advisors
Develop and execute regulatory strategy aligned with Umba's growth objectives Provide regular briefings on regulatory progress, risks, and stakeholder dynamics
Navigate informal dynamics and relationships within CBK and the broader regulatory ecosystem Prepare regulatory filings, applications, and formal correspondence as needed
Support coordination between Umba, external partners, and CBK
 

Requirements


10+ years in Kenyan financial services regulation, banking compliance, or government relations
Deep understanding of CBK's licensing framework and regulatory processes Based in Nairobi with availability for in-person meetings at short notice Strong written communication skills for regular remote briefings to the CEO

Preferred Qualifications


Former CBK staff (examiner, supervisor, department head) or senior regulatory/compliance role at a Kenyan commercial bank
 Experience with banking license applications, upgrades, or regulatory approvals
 Familiarity with recent CBK policy direction (core capital requirements, sector consolidation)  Experience advising international investors entering Kenya's financial services sector
 Network across Kenya Treasury, National Assembly Finance Committee, or other relevant government bodies Umba is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.
Umba

About Umba

Umba is an African digital bank, offering bank accounts and financial services to our customers.

We provide an ecosystem of connected financial services that allows the customer complete control of their finances all in one App.

At Umba, we believe in the power of financial inclusion to drive economic growth. As a leading digital bank, we are committed to providing innovative solutions that empower both employers and employees to achieve financial stability and reach their full potential.

Umba launched in Nigeria in January 2021, and in Kenya in April 2023, via the acquisition of an existing Microfinance bank.

Our digital platform offers seamless access to a wide range of banking services, including account management, payments, loans, savings, and more. We leverage technology and data-driven insights to streamline processes and make banking faster, smarter, and more convenient than ever before.

But we are not just a bank. We are a partner, a trusted advisor, and a catalyst for growth. Our team of talented professionals is passionate about our mission, and we work tirelessly to deliver personalized service and tailored solutions to our customers. With our extensive network and expertise, we are well-positioned to support our customers at every stage of their journey.

Join us at Umba, and be part of a dynamic team that is reshaping the future of banking. Together, we can unlock the potential of businesses, transform lives, and drive sustainable economic development. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to learn more about our innovative solutions and the exciting opportunities that await you at Umba.

Industry
Finance & Insurance
Company Size
51-200 employees
Headquarters
Nairobi, KE
Year Founded
2019
Website
umba.com
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