NAIROBI, KENYA — I&M Bank has officially entered the ultra-premium financial space with the launch of the Mastercard World Elite Credit Card. Unveiled on July 8, 2026, the new metal card positions I&M Bank as one of the newest regional lenders to offer top-tier World Elite status, directly targeting Kenya’s rapidly growing population of high-net-worth individuals and globally mobile executives.
In a departure from traditional luxury banking models, the card carries no minimum spend requirement, allowing qualifying clients to unlock a premium suite of global travel, lifestyle, and financial benefits immediately from day one.
The launch arrives at a pivotal moment for Kenya’s wealth landscape, as the nation’s high-net-worth population expanded by 14 percent between 2015 and 2025.
This steady surge is driving an unprecedented demand for sophisticated financial products that seamlessly blend global acceptance with elevated lifestyle perks.
Speaking at the launch event, I&M Bank Regional CEO Kihara Maina emphasized that the modern affluent consumer views luxury differently than previous generations, noting that Kenya’s affluent professionals and global executives no longer measure prestige by what a card represents on paper, but by the world-class experiences it unlocks.
He added that the card is engineered specifically for those who travel often, shop and entertain widely, and expect their financial partner to move at the same pace as their ambitions.
Developed in close collaboration with Mastercard, the card aims to provide frictionless international utility and premium security for the jet-setting professional.
Shehryar Ali, Mastercard’s Country Manager for East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, described the partnership as far more than a simple product rollout, framing it instead as a commitment to connecting Kenya’s most discerning consumers to their everyday passions by ensuring secure, seamless access to world-class privileges anywhere in the globe.
To deliver on this promise, the card offers an extensive array of travel and lifestyle benefits. Cardholders receive unlimited global airport lounge entry for themselves and a guest, alongside airport fast-track services at select international hubs and a 24/7 dedicated concierge for bespoke travel, dining, and lifestyle support.
Beyond travel, the card opens exclusive access to Mastercard’s Priceless platform, which features curated experiences across global dining, sports, and cultural events.
Recognizing the strict security and peace-of-mind demands of high-value clients, the metal card is backed by advanced fraud monitoring, comprehensive purchase protection, global travel medical insurance, and a dedicated, round-the-clock World Elite support line.
