By Caroline
I&M Bank has launched a new regional digital banking platform, IMBRISK, aimed at simplifying and strengthening cross-border banking and trade across East Africa. The initiative marks a significant step in supporting regional integration and easing financial transactions for businesses and individuals operating within the East African market.
The IMBRISK platform is designed to provide customers with seamless access to banking services across the countries where I&M Bank operates, including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. By integrating services across borders, the platform seeks to reduce transaction barriers, enhance efficiency and lower the cost of doing business within the region.
According to I&M Bank officials, IMBRISK will enable customers to conduct cross-border payments, manage multiple accounts, access real-time transaction updates and carry out trade-related banking services through a single digital interface. The platform is expected to particularly benefit traders, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), multinational companies and individuals with business or personal interests across East African borders.
Speaking at the launch, I&M Bank management said the new platform responds to the growing demand for faster, more secure and integrated banking solutions in an increasingly interconnected regional economy. They noted that cross-border trade within East Africa continues to expand, driven by the East African Community (EAC) integration agenda and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“IMBRISK is a strategic investment in regional connectivity. It is designed to empower our customers to transact across borders with confidence, speed and transparency, while supporting regional trade and economic growth,” the bank said.
The platform also incorporates advanced security features and regulatory compliance mechanisms to ensure that cross-border transactions meet national and regional banking standards. I&M Bank emphasised that IMBRISK has been developed in line with central bank regulations in the countries of operation, offering customers a secure and compliant digital banking environment.
For businesses engaged in import and export activities, IMBRISK is expected to streamline trade finance processes by providing easier access to letters of credit, guarantees and foreign exchange services. This is anticipated to reduce transaction turnaround times and improve cash flow management for enterprises operating across borders.
Industry analysts say the launch of IMBRISK positions I&M Bank competitively within the regional banking sector, where digital transformation has become a key driver of growth and customer satisfaction. By offering a unified platform for regional banking, the bank is responding to customer needs for convenience and efficiency while strengthening its footprint in East Africa.
The initiative also aligns with broader regional goals of financial inclusion and digital innovation. By simplifying cross-border banking, IMBRISK is expected to encourage more businesses, particularly SMEs, to engage in regional trade, thereby contributing to economic integration and job creation.
Customers will be able to access IMBRISK through digital channels supported by I&M Bank, with dedicated support teams available to guide users during the transition. The bank has also indicated plans to continuously enhance the platform by incorporating customer feedback and emerging technologies.
As East Africa continues to pursue deeper economic integration, initiatives such as IMBRISK highlight the role of the banking sector in facilitating trade, investment and mobility across borders. I&M Bank’s latest innovation underscores its commitment to supporting regional growth through customer-centric and technology-driven financial solutions.