List of Authorized Depositories in Kenya: Licensed Banks for Custody Services

In Kenya, authorized depositories play a vital role in the capital markets ecosystem. These banks are licensed by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to hold in custody funds, securities, financial instruments, and documents of title to assets that are registered under local, East African, or foreign investors’ names. These depositories provide a safe and regulated environment for investors, ensuring that their assets are secure and properly managed.

Authorized depositories in Kenya are institutions licensed to hold and safeguard financial securities (such as shares and bonds) on behalf of investors. As of 2026, these are primarily regulated by two central systems: the Central Depository & Settlement Corporation (CDSC) for equities and corporate bonds, and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) for government securities via the DhowCSD platform. 

1. Central Depository Agents (CDAs) 

These entities are approved by the CDSC to open and maintain electronic securities accounts for investors trading on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). 

• Commercial Bank Custodians: Major banks licensed as authorized depositories include ABSA Bank Kenya, Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Equity Bank, I&M Bank, KCB Bank, NCBA Bank, Stanbic Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank.
• Investment Banks: Authorized investment banks that double as depositories include Dyer & Blair, Faida Investment Bank, Genghis Capital, Kestrel Capital, and Standard Investment Bank.
• Specialized Institutions: The National Treasury and the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) also serve as authorized agents for specific government-related functions. 

2. Government Securities Depository (DhowCSD) 

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) operates the DhowCSD system for Treasury Bills and Bonds. Investors can participate through: 

• Direct Access: Individuals can open accounts directly via the DhowCSD Web Portal or mobile app.
• Authorized Participants: Regulated financial institutions (Commercial Banks, Investment Banks, and Saccos) act as authorized agents to facilitate bidding and secondary trading for their clients. 

3. Key Functions of Authorized Depositories

• Securities Account Opening: Authorized agents facilitate the creation of a unique CDS account number for investors.
• Safekeeping: They hold electronic records of ownership, eliminating the need for physical certificates.
• Transaction Settlement: They manage the movement of securities and cash during buying or selling activities on the NSE.
• Corporate Actions: They facilitate the distribution of dividends, bonus shares, and interest payments (coupons) for bonds. 

Summary of Major Authorized Depositories (2026)

Note: For the most up-to-date list of licensees, you may refer to the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Directory or the CDSC Approved Agents List

The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) is responsible for overseeing the activities of these depositories, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining the integrity of the financial markets. Below is a list of banks that are authorized depositories in Kenya, offering custodian services for investors’ portfolios.

List of Authorized Depositories in Kenya

1. African Banking Corporation Limited
2. Bank of Africa Kenya Limited
3. Absa Kenya Plc
4. Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited
5. Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited
6. Equity Bank Limited
7. I&M Bank Limited
8. Kenya Commercial Bank Limited
9. National Bank of Kenya Limited
10. Prime Bank Limited
11. Standard Chartered Bank (Kenya) Plc
12. Transnational Bank Limited
13. HFC Limited
14. Gulf African Bank Limited
15. Credit Bank Limited
16. SBM Bank (Kenya) Limited
17. NCBA Bank Kenya Plc
18. Family Bank Limited
19. Ecobank Kenya Limited
20. Sidian Bank Limited
21. Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Limited

Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Contacts

Head Office:
Embankment Plaza, 3rd Floor, Longonot Road, off Kilimanjaro Avenue, Upperhill, Nairobi

Contacts:
+254 722 207767
+254 20 2264000

Email:
[email protected]