Eva Ngigi Sarwari, managing director of Finserve Africa and Equity Group’s director of payments and worldwide banking, has died aged 45 whereas on a enterprise journey to China, based on a press release from her colleagues.
Her demise cuts brief a profession that spanned over 20 years in banking and funds, from introducing prospects to digital banking at Co-operative Bank of Kenya to leading Visa’s business across three East African markets.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Eva Ngigi Sarwari,” her colleagues stated within the assertion on Tuesday.
They described the information as a “sudden and profound shock” and stated they’d make additional updates as particulars turned obtainable. The assertion didn’t disclose the trigger or date of her demise.
Sarwari joined Equity in January 2025 as group director for funds and worldwide banking, with accountability for executing the financial institution’s funds technique throughout Africa. In April 2026, she turned managing director of Finserve Africa, the group’s payments and digital financial services subsidiary, overseeing its technique, business course and operations.
The roles introduced her again right into a banking group after greater than 4 years at Visa, the place she served as senior director and nation supervisor from September 2020 to December 2024. Her position lined three neighbouring markets, together with Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia.
The appointments introduced collectively expertise accrued throughout native banks, a global banking group and one of the world’s largest card networks.
Before Equity, Sarwari spent greater than 4 years at Visa as senior director and nation supervisor for Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia. From September 2020 to December 2024, she was answerable for growing and implementing the corporate’s progress technique in these markets.
She joined Visa from SC Ventures, Standard Chartered’s venture-building arm, the place she served as a enterprise lead throughout 2020. That position adopted greater than seven years in Standard Chartered’s transaction banking enterprise.
As head of transaction banking for business banking from July 2017 to January 2020, she helped form the financial institution’s technique for Kenya and East Africa, with accountability for income progress, product relevance and digital transformation. Previously, as a principal in transaction banking, she labored with growth organisations and public-sector shoppers throughout East Africa.
Sarwari moved to Standard Chartered in November 2012 after simply over two years at Stanbic Bank Kenya, the place she managed gross sales of transactional services and products.
She started her banking profession at Co-operative Bank of Kenya in June 2005. As a relationship supervisor, she helped carry prospects onto digital banking techniques, demonstrating merchandise, overseeing installations and coaching customers. It was sensible work that might run by way of her subsequent profession.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Eva’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” the assertion added.
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