NCBA, a leading Kenyan bank, has made a significant leap in corporate banking services by launching Connect Plus, an enhanced transaction banking platform powered by Intellect Design Arena 's eMACH.ai Digital Transaction Banking technology. This upgrade marks NCBA as the first bank in East Africa to deploy Intellect's cloud-based banking solution, setting a new standard for digital banking in the region.

Enhanced Features and Capabilities

Connect Plus introduces several improvements to NCBA's corporate banking services:

• Faster transaction processing
• Expanded payment options
• Enhanced reporting tools
• Advanced cash liquidity management
• Seamless integrations with other financial services platforms

These enhancements are designed to provide a more streamlined, secure, and user-friendly digital banking experience for NCBA's corporate clients.

Strategic Importance

James Gossip, Managing Director of NCBA Kenya Bank, emphasized the strategic importance of this upgrade:

"NCBA's digitally enabled transaction banking suite is a major move towards becoming a dominant bank in Kenya that serves Corporates and SMEs with a full array of products for all their local and international transaction banking needs, at a competitive price and to support the Government's Kenya Digital Economy initiative based on Kenya Vision 2030."

Global Technology Partnership

The implementation of Intellect's eMACH.ai technology at NCBA is part of a broader trend in global banking. Manish Maakan, CEO of Intellect Wholesale Banking, noted:

"Today, as more than 70% of the world's top banks #winwitheMACH.ai, we aim to continually help our clients to not only exceed customer expectations but also empower them to adopt an innovative position in the corporate banking space."

This marks Intellect's third major digital transformation in Kenya, bringing their client count in the Sub-Saharan region to 23.

Comprehensive Digital Transformation

The new platform offers a range of services including:

• Account Services
• Payments
• Collections
• Liquidity Management
• Trade Finance
• Host-to-Host services

These services are delivered through a composable, cloud-native platform powered by microservices and open banking APIs, ensuring a future-proof banking transformation.

NCBA's Market Position

NCBA stands out as one of Kenya's leading banks by asset size, with an extensive network of 100 branches and banking agencies throughout Kenya. The bank's commitment to innovation and digital transformation reinforces its position as a leading digital bank in the African region.

As the financial landscape in Africa continues to evolve rapidly, NCBA's adoption of advanced digital banking solutions positions it at the forefront of this transformation, ready to meet the changing needs of its corporate and SME clients across the region.

Intellect Design Arena Limited , a prominent player in the financial technology sector, has announced a significant change in its senior management. The company has elevated Vikas Misra to the position of Chief Strategy Officer, effective October 17, 2025. This appointment marks a new chapter in Misra's long-standing career with the organization.

Appointment Details

The Board of Directors of Intellect Design Arena Limited approved Misra's appointment based on recommendations from the Nomination, Remuneration & Compensation Committee. This strategic move designates Misra as a Senior Management Personnel, highlighting the importance of his role in shaping the company's future direction.

Misra's Journey with the Company

Vikas Misra's association with the company dates back to April 1996 when he joined Polaris Software Group, which later evolved into Intellect Design Arena. Over the years, Misra has held several key positions within the organization, demonstrating his versatility and leadership capabilities.

Strategic Contributions

Since January 2020, Misra has been an integral part of the Office of Strategy, working closely with the Chairman on mid to long-term organizational initiatives. His role has been crucial in designing and executing strategies to achieve the company's long-term objectives.

As a core member of the organization's leadership team, Misra's influence extends across all functions. He has been instrumental in providing critical inputs for the execution of strategies aligned with the company's vision.

Looking Ahead

With this elevation, Vikas Misra is poised to play an even more significant role in Intellect Design Arena's future. His extensive experience within the company and his strategic insights are expected to contribute significantly to the organization's growth and innovation in the dynamic fintech landscape.

Intellect Design Arena's decision to promote from within demonstrates its commitment to recognizing and nurturing internal talent, a strategy that often leads to strong organizational continuity and growth.