The Morgans Consortium  ·  7th Annual Edition  ·  2026
✦ Africa Edition

GRC & Financial Crime Prevention Awards & Summit 2026

Nairobi, Kenya  ·  20 November 2026  ·  Marriott Hotel
2026 Summit Theme
"East Africa Rising: Building Resilient Institutions and Compliance Ecosystems Fit for the Future"
Date
20 Nov 2026
Summit
10:00–14:00 EAT
Gala Ceremony
16:00–19:00 EAT
Dress Code
Black Tie / African Formal
Venue
Marriott Hotel, Nairobi
7th
Annual
Edition
8
Summit
Sessions
6
Award
Pillars
2020
Founded
in Lagos
200
Guests
(Target)
🗳️
Voting is now open
Cast your vote for the 2026 Africa Edition nominees
Nominations have closed. The public voting stage is now live — vote for the individuals and organisations you believe deserve recognition at this year's Gala Awards Ceremony in Nairobi. Voting closes 15 August 2026. The top 5 in each category then proceed to independent judging.
15 Aug
Voting
Deadline
Vote Now →
Awards Process — 2026

How nominees become award recipients.

Completed
01
Nomination Stage
May 2026 — Closed
The public nomination window is now closed. Individuals and organisations from all sectors were invited to self-nominate or nominate peers for recognition across the six award pillars. Nominees have been confirmed across all categories.
✓ Stage complete
Live now
02
Public Voting Stage
15 June – 15 August 2026
The public are now invited to vote for their preferred nominees in each category. Every vote counts — the top 5 nominees by public vote in each category will proceed to the independent judging stage. One vote per person per category. Voting closes at midnight EAT on 15 August 2026.
⟶ Vote at grcfincrimeawards.com/vote
Coming next
03
Independent Judging Stage
August – October 2026
The top 5 vote-getters in each category are passed to our independent panel of judges. Judges assess each shortlisted nominee against published sector-specific criteria — independently, without conflict or bias, and without visibility of each other's scoring. Their deliberations are confidential. Judges then recommend the top 3 finalists per category to the Awards Gala.
Begins August 2026
The finale
04
Gala Awards Ceremony
20 November 2026 · Nairobi
The top 3 finalists in each category are invited to attend the black-tie Gala Awards Ceremony at the Marriott Hotel, Nairobi on 20 November 2026. Winners in each category are announced on the night by the MC and presenting judges. All three finalists are publicly recognised — only the winner is revealed at the ceremony.
20 November 2026
Voting is Open Now

The public voting window runs from 15 June 2026 to 15 August 2026. Share the voting link with your colleagues, networks and communities. The more votes a nominee receives, the better their chance of making the top 5 and proceeding to the judges' panel. Your vote directly shapes who reaches the Gala.

Cast Your Vote →
15 Jun
Voting Opens
15 Aug
Voting Closes
Top 5
Per category to judges
⚖️
Judge Independence & Integrity

All judges assess nominees independently and without knowledge of other judges' scores. No judge may assess a category in which they have a personal, professional or commercial relationship with any nominee. Judges are required to declare conflicts of interest before the process begins, and recuse themselves from affected categories. Final recommendations reflect consolidated judging scores and are subject to review by the Awards Committee before announcement.

About This Edition

East Africa is writing
its own rulebook.

For the first time in its seven-year history, the GRC & Financial Crime Prevention Awards & Summit travels to Nairobi, Kenya — East Africa's foremost financial and innovation hub. The Africa Edition brings together regulators, bankers, fintech leaders, compliance professionals and policymakers from across the region for a day of rigorous dialogue and well-earned recognition.

2026 Summit Theme
"East Africa Rising: Building Resilient Institutions and Compliance Ecosystems Fit for the Future"
The 2026 Africa Edition Summit explores how East African institutions are adapting their governance, risk and compliance frameworks to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving regulatory, digital and financial crime landscape — while building homegrown solutions that reflect the region's unique economic, cultural and institutional realities. This is not a conversation about importing standards from elsewhere. It is a conversation about East Africa setting its own.
🏦
A maturing financial sector. East Africa's banking, insurance and capital markets sectors are professionalising rapidly — and with that comes new compliance, risk and governance expectations.
📱
A mobile-first economy. Kenya's mobile money ecosystem is a global reference point — and a frontier for new financial crime typologies that demand region-specific solutions.
⚖️
An evolving regulatory landscape. ESAAMLG, central bank directives and FATF mutual evaluations are reshaping AML/CFT obligations across East African jurisdictions.
🌍
A growing community. Nairobi joins Lagos in the Awards' history — building a genuinely pan-African network of GRC and financial crime prevention professionals.
The Day

A morning of ideas.
An evening of recognition.

20 November 2026 opens with a four-hour Summit exploring the theme of East Africa Rising, followed by a formal Gala Awards Ceremony celebrating the individuals and organisations leading that change.

Event Day Schedule 20 Nov 2026
09:00 Registration & Welcome Coffee
10:00 Summit Opens — Keynote Address: East Africa Rising
10:30 Summit Sessions & Panel Discussions
12:30 Networking Luncheon
13:30 Afternoon Roundtables & Sessions
14:00 Summit Closes
16:00 Cocktail Reception & Welcome Drinks
17:00 Gala Awards Ceremony Opens
17:15 Award Presentations & Formal Dinner
19:00 Gala Closes
Summit Sessions — East Africa Rising
01
Regulatory Pulse: Navigating East Africa's Evolving AML/CFT and Compliance Landscape
Regulatory Intelligence
02
Homegrown Solutions: Building GRC Frameworks That Reflect African Market Realities
Governance & Culture
03
The Financial Crime Threat: From Mobile Money Fraud to Trade-Based Money Laundering
Financial Crime Disruption
04
Digital Finance & Crypto: Compliance in East Africa's Mobile-First Economy
Technology & Innovation
05
Governance & Accountability: Board-Level Responsibility in African Institutions
Governance & Culture
06
Women Leading GRC: Advancing Gender Equity in Africa's Compliance Profession
Leadership & Diversity
07
RegTech for Africa: Practical Technology Adoption for Resource-Constrained Environments
Technology & Innovation
08
Building the Next Generation: Talent, Education and the Future of African GRC
Leadership & Diversity
Speakers — Africa Edition 2026

The voices leading
East Africa's GRC conversation.

The 2026 Africa Edition Summit features three keynote addresses and eight expert panellists drawn from banking, fintech, regulation, insurance, legal, RegTech, academia and financial crime investigations — representing the full breadth of the GRC and financial crime prevention profession across East Africa and the continent.

Keynote Speakers

Three keynote addresses anchoring the morning Summit — opening, mid-morning, and closing the Summit before the Gala.

Opening Keynote  ·  10:00 EAT
K1
[To Be Announced]
Governor / Deputy Governor
Central Bank of Kenya or equivalent East African central banking authority
The Summit opens with a landmark address from a senior East African central banking or regulatory authority, setting the strategic context for the day's theme. The opening keynote will frame East Africa's current regulatory trajectory, the region's performance under FATF mutual evaluations, and the institutional priorities that will define the compliance agenda through 2030.
Keynote Address
"From Compliance Burden to Competitive Advantage: East Africa's Institutional Moment"
Mid-Morning Keynote  ·  11:45 EAT
K2
[To Be Announced]
Group CEO / MD
Leading Pan-African Financial Institution
The mid-morning keynote brings a senior executive perspective from within Africa's financial services sector — addressing the commercial realities of building compliant, resilient institutions in a continent of 54 diverse markets. The speaker will draw on direct experience of navigating regulatory complexity, digital disruption and financial crime pressure at scale across multiple African jurisdictions.
Keynote Address
"Building for Resilience: What It Really Takes to Lead a Compliant Pan-African Institution"
Closing Keynote  ·  13:30 EAT
K3
[To Be Announced]
Founder / CEO
Leading East African Fintech or RegTech Organisation
The closing keynote of the Summit programme looks forward — exploring how technology, innovation and homegrown solutions are reshaping the compliance and financial crime prevention landscape across East Africa. The speaker will challenge the audience to think beyond compliance as a cost centre and toward a future where GRC capability is a driver of institutional trust, customer confidence and market growth.
Keynote Address
"The Innovator's Compliance Agenda: Technology, Trust and the East African Opportunity"
📢

Keynote speakers will be formally announced via grcfincrimeawards.com and across our social media channels on a rolling basis ahead of the event. Register your interest to receive speaker announcements directly.

Panellists & Session Chairs — 2026 Africa Edition 16

Sixteen expert panellists drawn from across every regulated sector of East Africa's economy — from banking and fintech to energy, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, aviation, telecoms and the public sector. The GRC & Financial Crime Prevention Awards & Summit recognises that compliance, risk and governance are universal professional obligations, not the preserve of financial services alone.

Financial Services
Banking
CCO
[To Be Announced]
Group Chief Compliance Officer
Tier-1 Commercial Bank, Kenya / East Africa
Session 01 · Regulatory Pulse: East Africa's AML/CFT Landscape
Banking
MLRO
[To Be Announced]
Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)
Pan-African Banking Group
Session 03 · Financial Crime Threat: Fraud, TBML & Emerging Typologies
Fintech
FT
[To Be Announced]
Head of Compliance & Risk
Mobile Money / Digital Finance Platform, East Africa
Session 04 · Digital Finance & Crypto Compliance
Insurance
CRO
[To Be Announced]
Chief Risk Officer
Insurance or Asset Management Organisation, Africa
Session 05 · Governance & Accountability: Board-Level Responsibility
Regulatory, Legal & Investigations
Regulatory
FIU
[To Be Announced]
Director / Deputy Director
Financial Intelligence Unit, East Africa
Session 01 · Regulatory Pulse & Session 03 · Financial Crime Threat
Regulatory
CB
[To Be Announced]
Director, Financial Sector Supervision
Central Bank of Kenya or East African Equivalent
Session 01 · Regulatory Pulse & Session 02 · Homegrown GRC Frameworks
Legal
[To Be Announced]
Senior Partner, Financial Crime & Compliance Practice
Leading Pan-African Law Firm
Session 02 · Homegrown GRC Frameworks for African Market Realities
Investigations
INV
[To Be Announced]
Head of Financial Crime Investigations
Anti-Corruption or Law Enforcement Agency, East Africa
Session 03 · Financial Crime Threat: From Mobile Money Fraud to TBML
Energy, Engineering & Manufacturing
Oil & Gas
O&G
[To Be Announced]
Head of Compliance & Ethics
Oil & Gas / Extractive Industry Organisation, East Africa
Session 02 · Homegrown GRC Frameworks & Session 05 · Governance & Accountability
Energy
EN
[To Be Announced]
Chief Governance Officer / Head of Risk
Energy or Utilities Company, East Africa
Session 05 · Governance & Accountability: Board-Level Responsibility
Engineering
ENG
[To Be Announced]
Director of Risk & Compliance
Engineering or Infrastructure Group, East Africa
Session 02 · Homegrown GRC Frameworks for African Market Realities
Manufacturing
MFG
[To Be Announced]
Head of Supply Chain Risk & GRC
Manufacturing or FMCG Organisation, East Africa
Session 02 · Homegrown GRC Frameworks & Session 03 · Financial Crime Threat
Healthcare, Telecoms, Aviation, Transport & Public Sector
Healthcare
HC
[To Be Announced]
Chief Compliance Officer
Healthcare Group or Hospital Network, East Africa
Session 02 · Homegrown GRC Frameworks for African Market Realities
Telecoms
TEL
[To Be Announced]
Director, Regulatory Affairs & Compliance
Telecommunications Group, East Africa
Session 04 · Digital Finance & Session 07 · RegTech for Africa
Aviation
AVN
[To Be Announced]
Head of Risk Management & Safety Compliance
Aviation or Airport Authority, East Africa
Session 05 · Governance & Accountability & Session 02 · GRC Frameworks
Public Sector
PSE
[To Be Announced]
Director of Governance / Anti-Corruption
Government Ministry or Public Institution, East Africa
Session 05 · Governance & Accountability & Session 06 · Women Leading GRC
Technology, Innovation & Academia
RegTech
RT
[To Be Announced]
Founder & CEO
East Africa-Based RegTech or Compliance Technology Company
Session 07 · RegTech for Africa: Practical Technology Adoption
Cybersecurity
CS
[To Be Announced]
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Financial Institution or Technology Company, East Africa
Session 04 · Digital Finance & Crypto & Session 07 · RegTech for Africa
Academia
AC
[To Be Announced]
Professor of Governance, Risk & Compliance
Leading East African or Pan-African University
Session 08 · Building the Next Generation: Talent, Education & the Future of GRC
Women in GRC
WG
[To Be Announced]
Senior Female Executive — Cross-Sector
GRC, FinCrime Prevention or Governance Leader, East Africa
Session 06 · Women Leading GRC: Advancing Gender Equity in Africa's Compliance Profession

All 16 panellist names and organisations will be confirmed and announced ahead of 20 November 2026. Full speaker profiles will be published at grcfincrimeawards.com as confirmations are received. Speakers span banking, fintech, regulatory, legal, investigations, oil & gas, energy, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, telecoms, aviation, public sector, RegTech and academia.

Speak at the Africa Edition
Have a perspective worth sharing?
We welcome expressions of interest from senior practitioners, regulators, fintech leaders, academics and innovators who would like to speak, chair a session, or contribute to a roundtable at the 2026 Africa Edition Summit in Nairobi on 20 November 2026.
Submit Speaker Interest →
Discussion Topics — Session by Session

Eight sessions.
Every sector. Every challenge.

Each Summit session is built around real, pressing questions facing GRC and financial crime prevention professionals across East Africa — spanning financial services, energy, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, telecoms, aviation, transport and the public sector. Not abstract theory. Conversations that practitioners can take back to their organisations and act on immediately.

01
Regulatory Pulse: Navigating East Africa's Evolving AML/CFT and Compliance Landscape
10:30 – 11:00 EAT  ·  Opening Plenary Panel  ·  All Sectors
  • What do recent ESAAMLG mutual evaluations mean in practice for banks, fintechs, energy companies and large corporates operating across East Africa?
  • How are central banks and sector regulators in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia aligning their AML/CFT frameworks — and where do material divergences remain?
  • What are the regulatory priorities for 2027 and beyond — and which sectors should be preparing now?
  • How does the regulatory burden land differently on large multinationals versus SMEs and community-based institutions?
Central Bank Regulator Commercial Bank CCO FIU Director Legal Advisory
02
Homegrown Solutions: Building GRC Frameworks Fit for Every Sector Across Africa
11:00 – 11:30 EAT  ·  Cross-Sector Panel  ·  Banking · Energy · Engineering · Manufacturing · Healthcare · Public Sector
  • Why do GRC frameworks imported from Western markets often fail to gain traction in African institutions — whether in banking, oil & gas, manufacturing or healthcare — and what actually works?
  • How does a "fit for purpose" governance framework differ between a Tier-1 commercial bank, a mid-sized engineering firm, a regional hospital group, and a government ministry?
  • What role should industry associations, professional bodies and regulators play in developing sector-specific GRC standards tailored to East Africa's economic realities?
  • How can resource-constrained organisations across energy, agriculture and manufacturing implement meaningful GRC programmes without enterprise-scale budgets?
  • What lessons can non-financial sectors learn from the banking sector's compliance journey — and where does financial services still have ground to make up?
Oil & Gas Compliance Lead Engineering Risk Director Manufacturing GRC Lead Healthcare CCO Public Sector Governance Director Legal Advisory
03
The Financial Crime Threat: Fraud, Trade-Based Money Laundering, Corruption and Sector-Specific Risks
11:30 – 12:00 EAT  ·  Case Study Session  ·  All Sectors
  • What are the most prevalent fraud and financial crime typologies currently threatening East African institutions — across mobile money, trade finance, procurement, oil & gas revenue and healthcare billing?
  • How is trade-based money laundering evolving across East Africa's regional ports, free trade zones and extractive industry supply chains?
  • What is the scale of corruption risk in public sector contracts, infrastructure procurement, and energy licensing across the region — and how are compliance teams responding?
  • How are criminal networks exploiting weak links in aviation, transportation and logistics supply chains for financial crime purposes?
  • What practical detection, investigation and disruption techniques are proving most effective — and what technology is enabling them?
Financial Crime Investigator FIU Representative Fintech Risk Lead Anti-Corruption Agency Oil & Gas Compliance
04
Digital Finance, Cybersecurity & Crypto: Compliance in East Africa's Technology-First Economy
12:00 – 12:30 EAT  ·  Panel Discussion  ·  Fintech · Telecoms · Banking · Engineering · Healthcare
  • How should East African regulators approach crypto-asset and digital payment oversight without stifling fintech innovation or financial inclusion?
  • What KYC, eKYC and digital identity models are best suited to East Africa's largely informal and mobile-first economy — and how should non-financial sectors like telecoms and healthcare approach digital identity?
  • As engineering, manufacturing and energy companies undergo digital transformation, what new cybersecurity and data governance risks are they inheriting — and who is responsible?
  • How can organisations across all sectors build cyber resilience into their GRC frameworks as operational technology (OT) and IT systems converge?
  • What does "responsible AI" governance look like for East African institutions deploying AI in compliance, fraud detection and risk management?
Fintech CEO Telecoms Compliance Director CISO Digital Asset Regulator RegTech Provider
05
Governance, Accountability & Board Leadership: Setting the Tone Across Every Sector
12:30 – 13:00 EAT  ·  Boardroom Roundtable  ·  All Sectors
  • What does effective board-level oversight of compliance and financial crime risk actually look like in practice — across banking, energy, manufacturing, healthcare and the public sector?
  • How can non-executive directors hold management to meaningful account on GRC matters without overstepping into operations?
  • What are the recurring governance failures in African institutional collapses across all sectors — and what structural interventions prevent them?
  • How should boards in extractive industries, engineering groups and infrastructure companies approach ESG governance and anti-bribery frameworks when operating in high-risk environments?
  • What does "tone at the top" mean in the African context — where family-owned businesses, state-owned enterprises and multinationals co-exist across the same economy?
Board Chair / NED Oil & Gas CRO Audit Committee Chair Public Sector Governance Director Insurance CRO
06
Women Leading GRC: Advancing Gender Equity Across Africa's Compliance and Risk Profession
13:00 – 13:30 EAT  ·  Leadership Panel  ·  All Sectors
  • What structural barriers still prevent women from reaching senior GRC, risk and compliance leadership roles — in banking, energy, engineering, healthcare, aviation and the public sector?
  • How do the experiences of women in GRC leadership differ across sectors? Is the compliance profession more or less gender-equal than engineering, finance or law?
  • What mentorship, sponsorship and succession planning models are proving most effective in accelerating women into board and C-suite risk roles across East Africa?
  • How should organisations measure, set targets for, and publicly report on gender diversity in their compliance and risk leadership?
  • What does the next generation of female GRC professionals in East Africa need — from their employers, their professional bodies and their senior peers?
Women in GRC Network Senior Female CCO HR Director (Cross-Sector) NED / Board Member
07
RegTech, AI & Practical Technology Adoption: Across Financial Services, Energy, Manufacturing and Beyond
Concurrent Roundtables  ·  All Sectors
  • What does "right-sized" RegTech look like for institutions — whether a Tier-1 bank, a mid-size energy company, a manufacturer, or a public sector agency — without enterprise-scale compliance budgets?
  • How can transaction monitoring, sanctions screening and KYC automation tools be adapted for industries beyond banking — such as oil & gas payments, manufacturing procurement and healthcare billing?
  • What is the role of AI and machine learning in detecting corruption, procurement fraud and financial crime across the engineering, construction and extractive industries?
  • How can East African-built RegTech solutions outcompete global vendors on local relevance, language, regulation and cost — and what needs to change in the investment landscape to enable that?
  • What implementation pitfalls should organisations across all sectors avoid when deploying new GRC and financial crime technology?
RegTech Founder CISO IT/Digital Transformation Lead Engineering Risk Director Compliance Technologist
08
Building the Next Generation: Talent, Education, Certification and the Future of GRC Across All Sectors
Closing Summit Panel  ·  All Sectors
  • What does the GRC and financial crime prevention curriculum of the future need to include — for professionals entering banking, energy, healthcare, engineering, government and technology roles?
  • How can universities, polytechnics, vocational institutions, employers and professional bodies collaborate to close East Africa's compliance and risk talent gap at scale?
  • What professional certifications and credentials genuinely matter to employers across different sectors in East Africa — and what should the region be building locally?
  • How should the "compliance as a career" narrative be reframed to attract talented young professionals from engineering, technology, law and business backgrounds into GRC roles?
  • What does the GRC professional of 2030 look like — and what should today's leaders be doing to build that person's skills and confidence right now?
University Dean Early-Career GRC Professional Professional Body Representative Employer (Multi-Sector) Certification Provider
🌐
Cross-Sector Participation

The GRC & Financial Crime Prevention Awards & Summit is not a banking conference. It is a professional platform for every regulated sector of East Africa's economy — including banking, insurance, fintech, oil & gas, energy & utilities, engineering & construction, manufacturing, healthcare, aviation, transportation, telecoms, legal, real estate, agriculture and the public sector. Every session is designed to deliver value to compliance, risk and governance professionals regardless of their industry.

Africa Edition — Award Categories 2026

Excellence recognised
across every sector of the economy.

The Africa Edition award categories span six pillars and every regulated sector — from financial services and fintech to oil & gas, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, aviation, telecoms and the public sector. If your organisation or profession involves governance, risk, compliance or financial crime prevention, there is a category for you.

01
GRC & FinCrime Achievement Awards
Commercial Banks — Financial Crime Prevention & GRC
Microfinance Bank — Financial Crime Prevention & GRC
Fintech / Mobile Money — Financial Crime Prevention & GRC
Insurance — Financial Crime Prevention & GRC
Asset Management / Pension — Financial Crime Prevention & GRC
ESG Initiative of the Year
02
Sector GRC & FinCrime Excellence Awards
Energy / Oil & Gas — GRC & FinCrime Excellence
Engineering & Construction — GRC Excellence
Manufacturing — GRC & Financial Crime Prevention
Utilities & Telecoms — GRC & FinCrime Excellence
Health Sector — GRC & FinCrime Excellence
Aviation & Aerospace — GRC & FinCrime Excellence
Transportation & Logistics — GRC Excellence
Legal & Real Estate — GRC & FinCrime Excellence
Agriculture & Agribusiness — GRC Excellence
Public Sector / NGOs / Charities — Excellence Award
03
Individual Leadership Awards
GRC & FinCrime Influencer of the Year
Financial Crime Prevention Leadership Award
Governance Risk & Compliance Leadership Award
Cybersecurity & Data Governance Champion
Internal Audit & Assurance Champion
Emerging Talent / Rising Star Award (Under 35)
GRC Team of the Year Award
04
Women in GRC & FinCrime Prevention Awards
Financial Crime Prevention Woman of the Year
GRC Woman of the Year — Financial Sector
GRC Woman of the Year — Non-Financial Sector
Women's Leadership & Inclusion Champion
Outstanding Woman in Compliance
05
Media & Promoters Awards
GRC & Anti-FinCrime Reporter of the Year
GRC & Anti-FinCrime TV Station / Media of the Year
GRC & Anti-FinCrime Publication of the Year
GRC & Anti-FinCrime Podcast / Digital Media of the Year
06
GRC & FinCrime Providers Awards
Best GRC & FinCrime Training Provider of the Year
Best GRC & FinCrime Advisory Service of the Year
Best GRC & FinCrime Recruitment & Talent Firm
GRC & FinCrime Solution / RegTech Provider of the Year
Anti-Bribery & Corruption Initiative of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
🏦 Banking & Finance
⛽ Oil & Gas
⚙️ Engineering
🏭 Manufacturing
🏥 Healthcare
✈️ Aviation
📡 Telecoms
🚢 Transport
🏛️ Public Sector
⚡ Energy

Nominations are now closed across all sectors. Public voting is live — vote for your preferred nominees before 15 August 2026 at grcfincrimeawards.com/vote. For questions about nominee status or the judging process, contact events@grcfincrimeawards.com.

🗳️ Voting Stage — Now Open
Nominations have closed. Public voting is now live (15 June – 15 August 2026). Vote for your preferred nominees across all categories at grcfincrimeawards.com/vote. The top 5 vote-getters per category proceed to independent judging. Your vote directly determines who the judges see.
⚖️ After Voting — The Judging Stage
Following the close of public voting on 15 August 2026, the top 5 nominees in each category are assessed by our independent judges — each scoring separately, without conflict or bias, with no knowledge of other judges' evaluations. Judges recommend the top 3 finalists per category to the Gala Awards Ceremony on 20 November 2026.
Category Spotlight — Africa

The categories everyone's
watching in Nairobi.

These are the categories drawing the strongest interest from East Africa's compliance, banking and fintech communities this year.

Organisational
Commercial Banks — Financial Crime Prevention & GRC
Recognising East African and pan-African banks whose AML/CFT programmes, CDD controls and compliance culture set the regional benchmark. Nominees include Equity Bank, KCB Group, Standard Bank and more.
Organisational
Fintech — Financial Crime Prevention & GRC
For the mobile money and digital finance provider that has best balanced financial inclusion with robust financial crime controls — a defining challenge for East Africa's mobile-first economy.
Individual
Emerging Talent / Rising Star Award
Celebrating East Africa's next generation of GRC and financial crime prevention professionals — under-35s whose early career impact signals where the profession is heading.
Individual
Women in GRC — Woman of the Year
Honouring female leaders across East Africa's financial services, regulatory and compliance landscape who are advancing both organisational excellence and the role of women in the profession.
Individual
GRC & FinCrime Influencer of the Year
Awarded to a figure whose thought leadership and public advocacy has shaped the GRC and financial crime prevention conversation across Africa. Past recipients include Tony Elumelu (2025).
Lifetime Recognition
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Awards' most prestigious honour — recognising a career body of work that has demonstrably advanced GRC and financial crime prevention across Africa. Past recipients include Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (2025).
Selected 2026 Nominees

East Africa's finest
are in the running.

A selection of organisations and individuals officially nominated for the 2026 Africa Edition. Full nominee lists are available at grcfincrimeawards.com/vote.

Commercial Banks
Equity Bank Kenya
KCB Group
Standard Bank Group
Access Bank Group
Zenith Bank
Ecobank Transnational
FirstRand Bank
Fintech & Digital Finance
Moniepoint
Flutterwave
OPay
TymeBank
Chipper Cash
Cellulant
Yellow Card
Women in GRC & FinCrime
Adaora Umeoji
Dr. Amina Sambo-Magaji
Florence Nwabuzo
Beauty Mtonga
Sithembile Songo
Nkiru Balonwu
Rising Stars — East Africa
Vanevola Otieno (Kenya)
Emily Mochama (Kenya)
Victor Mutisya (Kenya)
Gilbert Ouko (Kenya)
Bright Anyanwu
Abena Amoah (Ghana)
Advisory, Audit & Professional Services
Deloitte Africa
KPMG Africa
PwC Africa
EY Africa
ENSafrica
DLA Piper Africa
Influencers & Lifetime Recognition
Tony Elumelu
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Cecilia Akintomide
Dr. Gregory Jobome

Nominees shown represent a selection across categories. Nominations are now closed. Public voting is open 15 June – 15 August 2026. Vote now at grcfincrimeawards.com/vote →

The Venue

Nairobi's address
for international excellence.

Marriott Hotel, Nairobi
UPPER HILL, NAIROBI · KENYA

The Marriott Hotel Nairobi is one of East Africa's most distinguished luxury venues, located in the heart of Nairobi's Upper Hill district — the city's financial and diplomatic centre. The hotel offers world-class conference, banqueting and exhibition facilities, making it the natural home for East Africa's premier GRC and financial crime prevention gathering.

Nairobi's standing as the region's foremost financial centre — home to leading regional offices of international banks, development finance institutions, regulators and multilaterals — gives the Africa Edition unparalleled convening power.

Grand ballroom and plenary conference hall
Dedicated exhibition and networking spaces
High-specification AV and presentation technology
Fine dining and premium catering services
On-site luxury accommodation for delegates
Accessible from Nairobi CBD — approx. 5km, 10 minutes
Event Details — At a Glance
Date20 November 2026
Registration09:00 EAT
Summit10:00 – 14:00 EAT
Break14:00 – 16:00 EAT
Gala Ceremony16:00 – 19:00 EAT
Dress CodeBlack Tie / African Formal
CapacityUp to 200 guests
Contactevents@grcfincrimeawards.com
Getting There

Finding your way
to Upper Hill, Nairobi.

The Marriott Hotel, Nairobi sits in the Upper Hill district — Nairobi's financial and diplomatic heart, just minutes from the Central Business District and well connected to both of the city's airports.

✈️
From Jomo Kenyatta Int'l Airport (JKIA)
Kenya's main international gateway. Take a taxi, Uber/Bolt, or pre-arranged hotel transfer directly to Upper Hill via Mombasa Road and Uhuru Highway.
~25–40 min drive
🛩️
From Wilson Airport
Nairobi's domestic and regional hub — convenient for delegates arriving from elsewhere in East Africa. Short, direct drive to Upper Hill via Lang'ata Road.
~10–15 min drive
🏙️
From Nairobi CBD
A short hop from the city centre via Uhuru Highway or Haile Selassie Avenue. Walkable for guests staying in CBD hotels with time to spare.
~10 min drive / 25 min walk
🚕
Ride-hailing & Taxis
Uber, Bolt and local taxi services operate widely across Nairobi and are the most convenient way to reach the venue. The hotel also offers an airport shuttle service on request.
Available 24/7
Venue Address
Marriott Hotel, Nairobi
Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya

Located in the heart of Upper Hill — Nairobi's premier business district, home to major banks, multinational corporations, regional regulators and diplomatic missions. The venue is easily identifiable and well signposted from Uhuru Highway and Ralph Bunche Road.

For delegates requiring visa or travel letters, or detailed transfer arrangements, please contact events@grcfincrimeawards.com.

📍
Marriott Hotel · Upper Hill
While You're In Nairobi

Make the most of your visit

Delegates travelling to Nairobi for the Africa Edition may wish to extend their stay. Upper Hill and the surrounding districts offer excellent dining, shopping, culture and nature — all within easy reach of the venue.

🍽️ Dining & Nightlife
Restaurants & cafés in Upper Hill & Hurlingham
5–10 min drive
Yaya Centre (shopping & dining)
~10 min drive
Westlands dining & nightlife district
~20 min drive
Hotel restaurants & lounge bar (on-site)
On-site
🛍️ Shopping
Galleria Shopping Mall
~25 min drive
Yaya Centre
~10 min drive
Two Rivers Mall
~35 min drive
The Hub, Karen
~25–30 min drive
🦒 Culture & Wildlife
Nairobi National Park
~20 min drive
Giraffe Centre
~25 min drive
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
~25 min drive
Karen Blixen Museum
~30 min drive
National Museum of Kenya
~15 min drive
🌳 Parks & Recreation
Uhuru Park
~10 min walk
Nairobi Arboretum
~15 min drive
Kenya Railway Golf Club
~5 min drive
Royal Nairobi Golf Club
~10 min drive
💡 Tip for international delegates: Nairobi's altitude (~1,795m) and equatorial climate mean mild temperatures year-round (typically 15–25°C in November). Light layers are recommended for daytime, with a jacket for cooler evenings. A valid passport and, for many nationalities, an eVisa or e-Travel Authorisation are required for entry into Kenya — apply in advance via the official Kenya eTA portal.
Tickets & Booking

Reserve your place
in Nairobi.

Delegate tickets cover full access to both the morning Summit and the evening Gala Awards Ceremony on 20 November 2026. A limited number of tickets are available — early booking is strongly recommended as previous editions have sold out in advance of the event date.

Summit Pass
USD 150 / KES 19,500
Morning access only
Full access to the morning Summit programme — keynotes, panel discussions and networking luncheon.
  • Summit sessions, 10:00–14:00 EAT
  • Networking luncheon
  • Delegate pack & materials
  • Digital certificate of attendance
Reserve Summit Pass
Gala Only Pass
USD 220 / KES 28,600
Evening access only
For guests attending only the Gala Awards Ceremony — ideal for VIPs, nominees' guests and partners.
  • Cocktail reception, 16:00 EAT
  • Gala Awards Ceremony & formal dinner
  • Standard seating
  • Digital event programme
Reserve Gala Pass
Student / Academic
USD 60 / KES 7,800
Summit access — valid ID required
Discounted access for full-time students and academic staff from accredited institutions across East Africa.
  • Summit sessions, 10:00–14:00 EAT
  • Networking luncheon
  • Delegate pack & materials
  • Valid student/staff ID required at registration
Reserve Student Pass
Group & Table Bookings
Bring your team to Nairobi
Reserve a full table of 10 at the Gala Awards Ceremony, or book group Full Delegate Passes for your organisation at a preferential rate. Ideal for sponsors, corporate teams and award nominees bringing colleagues to celebrate together.
10%
Off groups of 6+
Enquire About Groups
How to Book

Four steps to your seat in Nairobi

01
Choose your ticket type
Select the pass that suits your plans — Summit Pass, Full Delegate Pass, Gala Only, or Student/Academic. Group and table bookings are available for organisations sending multiple delegates.
02
Submit your booking request
Email events@grcfincrimeawards.com with your chosen ticket type, number of delegates, and organisation name — or use the "Reserve" buttons above to start your request by email directly.
03
Receive confirmation & invoice
Our events team will confirm availability and send a formal invoice. Payment can be made via bank transfer (USD or KES) or by card. A confirmation email and e-ticket will be issued upon receipt of payment.
04
Check in on the day
Bring your e-ticket (digital or printed) and valid photo ID to registration from 09:00 EAT on 20 November 2026. Our team will issue your delegate badge and welcome pack on arrival.
Booking Information
Booking opensNow
Early bird deadline31 August 2026
Standard booking closes14 November 2026
Accepted paymentBank transfer (USD/KES), card
ConfirmationEmail + e-ticket within 3 business days
Cancellation policyFull refund up to 30 days prior
TransfersDelegate substitutions accepted any time
Enquiriesevents@grcfincrimeawards.com
⚡ Early bird pricing saves up to 15% on Full Delegate Passes when booked before 31 August 2026. Tickets are limited to 200 guests — early booking is strongly recommended.
Voting Now Open

Voting closes 15 August.
Make your voice count.

Nominations are closed. This is your chance to cast your vote and determine who the independent judges will evaluate for the 2026 Gala Awards Ceremony in Nairobi. The top 5 in each category go to judging — the top 3 receive finalist recognition on the night.

events@grcfincrimeawards.com  ·  grcfincrimeawards.com  ·  Marriott Hotel, Nairobi  ·  20 November 2026