Choice Bank Joins Pesalink to Deliver Instant Payments and Drive the Digital Banking Revolution

13 October 2025 | Nairobi, Kenya — Pesalink and Choice Microfinance Bank Kenya Limited (Choice Bank) have signed a partnership to give customers instant, more affordable, and more reliable payment options. The collaboration combines Pesalink’s instant payment infrastructure with Choice Bank’s digital-first banking services to strengthen financial inclusion and access. 

Choice Bank, a nationally licensed deposit-taking microfinance bank regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya since 2015, has built a reputation serving SMEs, diaspora communities, and retail customers. By integrating Pesalink into its digital platforms, including its app, iBank, and APIs, Choice Bank customers can now send and receive instant account-to-account payments. 

This partnership reflects a broader transformation sweeping across Africa’s financial sector. According to the 2024 African Banking Digital Transformation Report, 76% of banks now rank digital transformation among their top three priorities, and 60% have digitally transformed most of their operations.  

This shift is enabling banks to offer faster, more inclusive services – especially for SMEs and underserved communities. It is also driving a new wave of digital-first challenger banks that are reimagining customer experience through mobile-led platforms, embedded finance, and API-driven innovation. 

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the CEO/MD, Bonface Isinta Ombui of Choice Bank said, “Through our partnership with Pesalink, we are reinforcing our commitment to financial inclusion by giving our customers instant, affordable, and inclusive payment solutions. This is a step forward in our mission to empower livelihoods through innovative banking.” 

Pesalink’s interoperable infrastructure is a key enabler of this digital revolution. By connecting over 80 financial institutions through instant switching, Pesalink reduces friction, lowers transaction costs, and unlocks new possibilities for ecosystem-wide innovation. Its neutrality – untethered to any single mobile wallet or bank – makes it a trusted intermediary for both legacy institutions and emerging players. 

The integration supports Choice Bank’s digital-first strategy, which includes mobile and internet banking and API-led solutions tailored for SMEs and diaspora clients. By leveraging Pesalink’s infrastructure, customers will benefit from seamless transfers across the banking ecosystem. 

Gituku Kirika, CEO of Pesalink, said, “We are delighted to welcome Choice Bank into the Pesalink network. This partnership deepens our shared goal of building a simple, interoperable, and affordable digital payments ecosystem that empowers individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.” 

 

About Pesalink 

Pesalink is Kenya's de facto instant, open and interoperable account to account transfer network. It is operated by Integrated Payment Services Limited (IPSL), a subsidiary of the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA). It was established in 2015 under the National Payment System (NPS) Act to enhance financial inclusion and efficiency in Kenya's banking sector.   

 

To this end, Pesalink enables seamless transfers of up to Ksh. 999,999 to any Kenyan bank account holder, anywhere, at any time, across the +80 participants integrated on its network who include banks, telcos, fintechs and SACCOs. As a simple, instant and affordable transfer service, Pesalink is widely accessible on all major banking channels – including internet banking, mobile apps, and bank USSD 

For more information, please visit:  http://www.pesalink.co.ke  

Media Contact:  Trezer Maina, Head of Marketing, Integrated Payment Services Limited  Email:  [email protected]  

Cynthia Wangu, Senior Account Manager, Levanter Africa  Email:  [email protected]  

 

About Choice Bank  Choice Microfinance Bank Kenya Limited (Choice Bank) is a nationally licensed deposit-taking microfinance bank regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya since 2015. Originally founded by Kenyans in the diaspora, the bank has grown into a digital-first institution offering private banking, loans, deposits, cross-border payments, and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS). Its mission is to eradicate poverty through banking solutions and empower livelihoods through innovation. 

For more information, please visit:  http://www.choice-bank.com  

Media Contact:  Sheila Nyamweya – Head of Partnerships, Choice Bank. 

Email:  [email protected]