Professional Background
Bob J. Karina is one of Africa's most respected and active
investment bankers, at the forefront of capital markets
transformation across the continent. For over 25 years, he
has been shaping East Africa's financial architecture -
founding and scaling institutions, modernising exchanges,
and advising boards, governments, and sovereign agencies
on how to mobilise capital for growth.
Current Leadership Roles
As the Founder & Chairman of Faida Investment Bank (Kenya)
and Managing Director of Faida Securities Rwanda, both
institutions continue to deliver landmark transactions,
widen investor participation, and mobilise capital for
ambitious issuers across the region. As Immediate Past
Chairman of the Rwanda Stock Exchange (2020-2025) and of
the Nairobi Securities Exchange (2006-2015), Bob is
recognised as a governance leader with a unique
cross-border perspective on risk, compliance, and
sustainable market development.
Market Transformation Leadership
As a real time change-maker, Bob continues to drive the
digitisation of markets, deepen cross-border listings, and
strengthen governance frameworks that attract long-term
capital into Africa. His influence spans from designing
policies that power integration, to advising boards on
structuring growth capital, to working with governments on
financing critical infrastructure.
Global Recognition & Thought Leadership
As an internationally sought-after thought leader, Bob has
twice addressed the AIM Congress in Abu Dhabi, engaging
global exchange leaders on Africa's integration and
investment agenda; and is also an active member of the
Institute of Directors (Kenya) and a Founder Member &
Fellow of ICFA, combining boardroom credibility with
technical depth.
Education & Vision
Holding an MSc in Corporate Finance from the University of
Liverpool, Bob operates at the intersection of vision and
execution- actively shaping Africa's next chapter of
financial growth. Still at the peak of his career, his
mission is clear: to help boards, investors, and
governments across Africa design capital markets that
finance the continent's transformation.
Personal Philosophy
Beyond the boardroom, Bob is family-centered, married to
Dr. Jennifer Karina, with three adult children. He enjoys
swimming, golf, and running - pursuits that mirror his
philosophy of endurance, consistency, and discipline.
Session Information
Session: "Capital Markets Integration:
Financing Africa's Transformation"
Date: November 26, 2025 |
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM |
Venue: Main Hall