Cynthia Chirokote (BSc Econ, CIPM, MBA)

Steward Bank was launched in July 2013 following Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s acquisition of TN Bank, a subsidiary of TN Holdings Limited (now known as Lifestyle Holdings). Following our launch, the Bank has since positioned itself as a mass-bank in Zimbabwe, focused on providing banking solutions through the use of technology. Steward Bank is the first bank in the country to have convergence with telecommunications and together with its technology focus we are set to change the way Zimbabweans view banking. Our strategic goal is to become the bank of the future, whilst visibly maintaining a viable bank in the present. Our objective in the next few months is to deliver simplified mass retail banking products to every Zimbabwean. The world is shifting its focus from traditional forms of banking with mobile banking now becoming the new frontier for product innovation and channel delivery. The mobile phone is the most accessible technology available to the world. Through Mobile Banking, Steward Bank will extend banking services to Zimbabweans previously unable to open bank accounts or participate in the formal economy. As a bank, we will seek to support the financial inclusion agenda and target Zimbabweans anywhere, particularly within the informal sector and the most remote parts in the rural areas and improve the banking and payment ecosystem. Our aim is not to create just another bank, it is to create a new banking habit and behavior!