/ History

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is a leading financial institution with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. Established in 1990 in Nigeria, the bank has grown into a respected, service-focused institution known for innovation, corporate governance, and excellent customer service.

Expansion into East Africa

In 2013, GTBank expanded its footprint into East Africa through the acquisition of Fina Bank Group, which had been operating in Kenya for over 25 years with subsidiaries in Rwanda and Uganda. This acquisition reinforced GTBank’s mission of becoming a Pan-African financial powerhouse while maintaining its international outlook.

GTBank (Rwanda) Plc began operations in 2005 when Fina Bank acquired Banque Continentale Africaine du Rwanda (BACAR). Following the acquisition by GTBank in 2013, the bank has strengthened its position in the Rwandan market, offering corporate, commercial, SME, and retail banking services.

Ownership and Regulation

GTBank (Rwanda) Plc is 96.38% owned by GTBank (Kenya) Ltd and 3.62% by the Agaciro Development Fund (AGDF). It is licensed and regulated by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR).

The GTCO Holding Structure

In 2021, GTBank transitioned into a Holding Company Structure, forming Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) after obtaining regulatory approvals. This move was aimed at expanding beyond banking into financial services, including Pensions, Payments, and Asset Management, to drive innovation and financial inclusion across all its markets.

GTCO Plc oversees:

  • GTBank Nigeria
  • Banking subsidiaries in Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom.

GTBank (Rwanda) Plc’s Market Focus

GTBank (Rwanda) Plc aims to lead the Rwandan financial sector by:
Expanding its corporate and retail banking services
Leveraging digital banking innovations
Strengthening its SME and commercial banking footprint
Providing customized financial solutions
Ensuring excellent customer service and relationship management

As part of the GTCO Group, GTBank (Rwanda) Plc continues to embody the brand’s mission of being “Proudly African, Truly International.”