NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

German micro-lender, MyBucks, is eyeing a deposit-taking licence from the Central Bank of Kenya in a bid to grow its local clientele base.

The Frankfurt Stock Exchange-listed financial technology company currently offers small loans to borrowers through mobile phones, but is not allowed to take customer deposits as it does not have a banking licence.

MyBucks has just signed a share purchase agreement with Opportunity International, an aid organisation that gives funding to businesses across Africa that are regarded too small by traditional banks to qualify for credit.

“Having a bank account is fundamental to ensuring financial inclusion in emerging markets.