Meet our team

Franklin Kennedy
Chairman

Franklin Kennedy

Profile
Kofi Sekyere
Director

Kofi Sekyere

Profile
Robert Abbey
Director

Robert Abbey

Profile
Thoko Mkavea
Director

Thoko Mkavea

Profile
Charles Assare
Director

Charles Assare

Profile
Kingsley Zulu
Director

Kingsley Zulu

Profile
John MacGrath
Director

John MacGrath

Profile
Sydney Chikoti
Director

Sydney Chikoti

Profile
Elias Malion
Director

Elias Malion

Profile
Joyce Gundani
Director

Joyce Gundani

Profile
Thoko Mkavea
Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director

Thoko Mkavea

Profile
Kelvin Mkulichi
Chief Finance Officer

Kelvin Mkulichi

Profile
Zondwayo Mafuleka
Chief Treasury Officer

Zondwayo Mafuleka

Profile
James Chikoti
Chief Operating Officer

James Chikoti

Profile
Ivy Kwatiwani
Chief Human Capital Development Officer

Ivy Kwatiwani

Profile
Sungani Mkandawire
Chief Credit Officer

Sungani Mkandawire

Profile
Jamal Kamoto
Chief Business Development Officer

Jamal Kamoto

Profile
John Chimanikire
Chief Investment Banking Officer

John Chimanikire

Profile
Daniel Mwangwela
Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary

Daniel Mwangwela

Profile
Christopher Ngwira
Chief Internal Auditor

Christopher Ngwira

Profile
Chris Chirwa
Chief Information Officer

Chris Chirwa

Profile
Robert Malipa
Chief Risk and Compliance Officer

Robert Malipa

Profile
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Franklin Kennedy

Chairman

Franklin Kennedy is a seasoned investment and banking executive with over four decades of leadership across global financial institutions. He currently serves as Non Executive Chairman of TransAfrica Holdings Limited (Mauritius) and sits on the board of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) as a Non-Executive Director. He is also President of Equator Capital Partners, a U.S.-based private equity fund manager focused on investments in regulated financial institutions that support micro and small businesses in emerging markets. He chairs the investment committees of several funds under Equator’s management.

Franklin’s distinguished banking career began at the Royal Bank of Canada in 1968. In 1976, he joined Equator Bank, a specialist institution serving sub-Saharan Africa, which later became HSBC Equator Bank plc. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 1988 and led the organisation until 2002, steering its growth as a merchant and investment bank registered and regulated in the United Kingdom.

In addition to his executive roles, Franklin has advised several governments and multilateral agencies on investment in Africa. He was appointed Private Sector Advisor to the Government of Canada, where he contributed to the structuring and governance of the CAD 100 million Canada Investment Fund for Africa. He has also served multiple terms as a member of the African Advisory Committee of the U.S. Export-Import Bank and was a Director of the Corporate Council on Africa in Washington, D.C.

Franklin holds an Honours Degree in Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario in Canada. A Canadian citizen currently based in the United States.

Kofi Sekyere

Director

Kofi Sekyere is an accomplished banking and finance executive with a global career spanning over two decades. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of TAH Capital (Pty) Limited, a South Africa-based investment firm, and serves as Chairman of  SDCFinance and Leasing Company Limited in Ghana. His leadership across emerging markets and international financial institutions has positioned him as a respected figure in African and global banking circles.

Kofi’s extensive banking experience includes senior leadership roles at HSBC Equator Bank Plc, where he served as Chief Marketing Officer based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Prior to that, he held the position of Vice President and Regional Director in Accra, Ghana, and earlier roles in Lusaka, Zambia, including Senior Vice President and Regional Team Leader. His career with HSBC Equator spanned over a decade from 1993 to 2005, during which he played a pivotal role in expanding the bank’s footprint across sub- Saharan Africa. He began his banking career at Citibank Zambia Limited.

Beyond the banking sector, Kofi held technical and research roles in the United States at AT&T Bell Laboratories in Holmdel, New Jersey, and Motorola Incorporated, further reinforcing his diverse and multidisciplinary background.

Kofi holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Transport Studies from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. He also earned a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Bates College, USA.

With deep cross-sector experience in finance, engineering, and technology, Kofi brings a unique blend of strategic insight and operational excellence to his role as Director of CDH Investment Bank.

Robert Abbey

Director

Robert Abbey is an proven financial executive with more than four decades of experience in accounting, investment, and financial services across several African markets. He currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Holdings and holds multiple board positions across the CDH Group, including Continental Asset, Continental Capital, CDH Commodities Limited, SDC Finance and Leasing Company Limited (Ghana), CDH Capital (Rwanda), and TAH Capital (South Africa).

Robert’s professional career is rooted in deep financial expertise and operational leadership. He has worked extensively across Zambia, Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Liberia, contributing to the growth and governance of several financial institutions in complex and evolving markets. In 1999, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer and Director of TransAfrica Holdings Limited (Mauritius), where he played a pivotal role in expanding the group’s pan-African footprint.

Robert is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (England) and holds a Master of Business Administration from Brunel University and the Henley Management Centre (England).

His long-standing commitment to financial stewardship, regional integration, and corporate governance has established him as a trusted leader and mentor within the African finance sector.

Thoko Mkavea

Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director

Thoko Mkavea is the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of CDH Investment Bank, a position he assumed after serving as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director from October 2020. He played a foundational role in the establishment of the bank and previously held the position of Chief Investment Banking Officer from 2012, where he was instrumental in building the institution’s investment banking and corporate advisory capabilities.

With over 24 years of experience across banking, finance, investment management, and corporate strategy, Thoko has built a career defined by leadership, innovation, and results. He began his professional journey as a management trainee at Press Corporation Plc and went on to serve in senior finance roles at Henred Fruehauf Limited. He later became Deputy General Manager and Head of Finance and Administration at The Leasing and Finance Company of Malawi Limited (LFC), a subsidiary of First Capital Bank, where he oversaw the company’s financial operations and governance structures.

In 2007, Thoko was appointed Head of Asset Management at Continental Asset Management Limited, where he led fund strategy, portfolio management, and institutional investment growth. His extensive leadership in financial services and investment banking culminated in his current role, where he leads CDH Investment Bank’s strategic direction, operational oversight, and market expansion.

Thoko is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Derby (UK) and a Bachelor of Accountancy Degree from the University of Malawi.

His blend of technical expertise and executive vision continues to shape the bank’s role as a leader in Malawi’s financial services sector.

Charles Assare

Director

Charles Assare is a highly experienced financial executive with a career spanning more than 28 years across investment management, commercial and investment banking, and financial advisory. He currently serves as a Financial Management Consultant, advising on a range of strategic transactions within Ghana’s financial sector.

Charles began his banking career in 1985 at the Bank of Boston in the United States. In 1990, he was appointed Vice President at Ecobank Ghana Limited, playing a key role in expanding the bank’s presence in West Africa. Between 1994 and 1998, he served as Vice President at HSBC Equator Bank, based in Connecticut, USA, where he was instrumental in managing relationships and portfolios across the African continent.

In 1998, Charles returned to Ghana to join the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), where he was appointed General Manager of Investments. He later rose to the position of Chief Executive Officer, leading the institution’s investment strategy and governance until 2001. Between 2003 and 2006, Charles served as Chief Operating Officer of Greater Philadelphia Health Action Plc in the United States, broadening his leadership experience into healthcare operations and financial oversight.

Charles holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, USA. His multidisciplinary background and cross-continental experience in both public and private sectors have positioned him as a trusted leader in strategic financial management and institutional governance.

Kingsley Zulu

Director

Kingsley Zulu was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of CDH Investment Bank in November 2016 and currently serves as a member of the Bank’s Audit Committee. He brings a wealth of financial leadership experience across banking, investment, corporate finance, and auditing, with a career that spans over two decades.

Kingsley currently serves as Group Financial Controller at Continental Holdings Limited, a role he has held since 2012. Prior to this, he was Head of Finance, Administration, and IT at Continental Discount House Limited (CDH), the predecessor of CDH Investment Bank, from 2007 to 2012. He also served as caretaker Chief Finance Officer of CDH Investment Bank from December 2012 to April 2013, during a pivotal period in the Bank’s evolution.

Earlier in his career, Kingsley served at the Malawi Institute of Management (MIM), where he held progressively senior finance roles, including Director of Finance. He began his professional journey at Price Water House Coopers (PwC) in 1999, where he gained foundational experience in international auditing, advancing to the role of Audit Senior by the time of his departure in 2002.

Kingsley holds a Bachelor of Accountancy degree from the University of Malawi and a Master of Science in Strategic Management from the University of Derby (UK). He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and financial stewardship.

With a broad range of experience in corporate governance, strategic finance, and risk oversight, Kingsley brings valuable insight and fiduciary rigor to the CDH Investment Bank board.

John McGrath

Director

John McGrath is a highly skilled executive with extensive experience in business development, economic consulting, and private sector growth across sub-Saharan Africa. He is the Managing Director of Imani Development Limited (Malawi) and a Director and shareholder of Imani Development International in Cape Town, where he oversees operations across Malawi, East, Central, and Southern Africa (excluding South Africa).

With a career spanning over three decades, John has played a significant role in advancing regional trade, enterprise development, and infrastructure initiatives. His leadership includes tenures as Managing Director of Financial Services Limited and Sasfin Central Africa Limited, as well as Director of Business Development Africa Limited in both Malawi and South Africa. He has also advised public and private sector institutions through his work with African Management Services Company (AMSCO), where he served as Malawi Representative from 1989 to 1991.

John’s entrepreneurial track record is equally distinguished. He was Director and shareholder of Mountain Ridge Limited, a commercial coffee farming venture, and has chaired a range of enterprises including Business Consult Africa, Industrial Development Group, GHC Haulage Trucking and Haulage Limited, and Stephanos Children’s Home. He is also Chairman and shareholder of the Kwikfit franchise group, operating tyre and motor services businesses in Malawi and Zambia.

John holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Business Studies and aBachelor of Social Science(Honours) in Economics from the University of Cape Town. His depth of knowledge in economic policy, commercial strategy, and regional development has made him a trusted advisor and leader across diverse sectors.

Sydney Chikoti

Director

Sydney Chikoti was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of CDH Investment Bank in 2021. A well established executive with cross-sector experience, he brings strong leadership, governance, and strategic oversight to the board, underpinned by a career spanning health insurance, finance, and organisational  management.

Sydney previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Aid Society of Malawi (MASM), one of the country’s leading health insurance providers. Under his leadership, MASM underwent a period of transformation, marked by improved operational efficiency, policy reform, and enhanced stakeholder engagement. His tenure strengthened the institution’s position as a trusted provider of healthcare funding solutions across Malawi.

In addition to his executive experience, Sydney brings valuable knowledge in finance, audit, and risk, with a career that also includes previous roles in financial services, business advisory, and institutional development. He is known for his analytical approach, people-first leadership style, and commitment to responsible corporate governance.

Sydney holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and has undertaken further training in financial strategy, leadership, and health systems management. He is widely respected in both private and public sector circles for his integrity and pragmatic leadership.

Elias Malion

Director

Elias Malion was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of CDH Investment Bank in 2018. He is currently the Head of Finance and Administration at Press Trust Limited, where he oversees the Trust’s financial management, reporting, human capital, and administrative operations.

Elias is an experienced business and finance executive, with over 19 years of progressive leadership in financial reporting, treasury management, and corporate governance. His expertise spans both public and private sector institutions, where he has developed a reputation for precision, transparency, and strategic financial planning.

Before joining Press Trust, Elias held senior roles at the Malawi Post Corporation (MPC) and previously worked with Deloitte & Touche, where he gained strong grounding in audit, compliance, and professional services. His diverse experience equips him with deep insight into risk management, operational finance, and organisational leadership.

Elias is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), a Chartered Accountant (CA, Mw), and a registered member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM). He holds a Bachelor of Accountancy degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), underscoring his commitment to continuous professional development and excellence in financial stewardship.

Joyce Gundani

Director

Joyce Gundani is a central banking and financial regulatory expert with over 35 years of professional experience in monetary policy administration, foreign exchange supervision, and institutional leadership. She served in various senior roles at the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM), including as Director of Human Resources, Director of Exchange Control, and most recently, Director of Foreign Flows Monitoring.

Throughout her distinguished career, Joyce was responsible for the oversight and enforcement of Exchange Control regulations, compliance monitoring of Authorized Foreign Exchange Dealers, and supervision of the foreign exchange market. Her leadership contributed to the development and implementation of strategic regulatory frameworks, policies, and compliance mechanisms critical to the stability of Malawi’s financial system. She also led cross-functional teams and played a key role in aligning human resource practices with institutional strategy during her tenure in HR leadership.

Joyce holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Banking and Finance from the University of Edinburgh, a Diploma in Business Studies from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Polytechnic), and additional certifications in Advanced Human Resource Management and Project Management from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI).

She has also completed numerous international professional programs in areas including exchange control, fraud prevention, monetary policy, pension management, and leadership. Joyce brings a wealth of regulatory insight, public sector experience, and institutional governance to her role as a Director of CDH Investment Bank.

Kelvin Mkulichi

Chief Finance Officer

Kelvin Mkulichi is the Chief Finance Officer at CDH Investment Bank, where he is responsible for overseeing the bank’s financial management, reporting, and regulatory compliance. He joined the bank in February 2017 and brings with him over 14 years of experience in finance, accounting, administration, and risk management within the banking and corporate sectors.

Kelvin’s career spans a number of well-renowned institutions. Prior to joining CDH Investment Bank, he served as Administration and Finance Manager at LornAgro Malawi Limited. From 2009 to 2016, he held senior roles at Malawi Savings Bank, including Financial Reporting Manager and Risk Manager, where he contributed to enhancing the bank’s financial controls and risk frameworks. He began his professional journey at National Bank of Malawi, serving as an Accountant in the Planning and Reporting division between 2006 and 2008.

A finance professional with a sharp analytical mindset and deep knowledge of financial systems, Kelvin has been instrumental in driving transparency, efficiency, and regulatory compliance at CDH Investment Bank.

He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and holds a Diploma in Accounting from the Public Accountants Examination Council (PAEC) of Malawi.

Zondwayo Mafuleka

Chief Treasury Officer

Zondwayo Mafuleka is the Chief Treasury Officer at CDH Investment Bank, responsible for the strategic management of the bank’s liquidity, capital, and market risk. Since joining CDH Investment Bank in 2018, Zondwayo has held key leadership roles within the organisation, including serving as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer for four years prior to his current position.

With over 12 years of experience in financial services, Zondwayo brings a strong background in risk management, internal controls, and treasury operations. His career began at Deloitte Malawi, where he served as Audit Senior before moving to National Bank of Malawi as Internal Audit Manager, a role he held from 2012 to 2018. His expertise spans enterprise risk, regulatory compliance, treasury policy, and control framework implementation, positioning him as a trusted steward of the bank’s financial resilience.

Zondwayo holds a Master of Business Administration (Merit) from Heriot-Watt University and a Bachelor of Accountancy (Distinction) from the University of Malawi. He also earned an International Diploma in Computer Science with Distinction. He is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and a holder of the ACI Dealing Certificate. He is also a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA-UK).

With his multidisciplinary qualifications and deep operational insight, Zondwayo plays a pivotal role in safeguarding CDH Investment Bank’s treasury functions while ensuring alignment with international best practices and regulatory expectations.

James Chikoti

Chief Operating Officer

James Chikoti is the Chief Operating Officer of CDH Investment Bank, a role he has held since 2019. He is responsible for the bank’s operational strategy, service delivery, trade finance operations, and the integration of digital banking and information systems. With a career spanning more than 18 years in the financial sector, James brings deep expertise in banking operations, project management, international payments, and systems implementation.

James joined CDH Investment Bank in 2013 as Operations Manager and has since been instrumental in transforming the bank’s operational infrastructure. He has overseen the rollout of automation systems, enhanced customer service delivery across banking centres, and served as a key liaison with correspondent banks and industry bodies. He currently serves on several national and regional committees related to payments, digital transformation, and banking standards—including the National Payments Council, SADC RTGS Projects, COMESA Payments Project, and the SIRESS Users Group, where he has held chairmanship roles.

Before joining CDH Investment Bank, James spent five years at FDH Bank Limited, playing a leading role in the establishment of its operations department and branch network. He also served for over seven years at National Bank of Malawi in various roles across IT and retail banking, contributing to the implementation of core banking systems and customer service innovation.

James holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI) and a Bachelor of Social Science in Economics and Computer Science from the University of Malawi.

His strategic foresight and operational leadership continue to drive efficiency, innovation, and resilience within the bank’s core infrastructure.

Ivy Kwatiwani

Chief Human Capital Development Officer

Ivy Kwatiwani is the Chief Human Capita Development Officer at CDH Investment Bank. She leads the bank’s human capital strategy, talent identification, development and organizational transformation initiatives. Since joining CDH Investment Bank in 2019, Ivy has been instrumental in embedding a people-first culture that supports performance, leadership growth, and employee engagement across all levels of the institution.

With over 20 years of senior human capital management experience in Malawi’s financial services sector, Ivy brings a strong track record in workforce strategy, learning and development, and organisational change.

Prior to joining CDH Investment Bank, she served as Human Resource Executive for Old Mutual Malawi Limited from 2009 to 2017, where she played a key role in aligning HR practices with group-wide business strategy. Prior to that she worked at Standard Bank Plc as Head of Learning and Growth, focusing on talent pipeline development and capability building.

Ivy holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from the University of Malawi. She also holds a Management Advanced Program Certificate from the University of Witwatersrand (South Africa). She is an accredited trainer in soft skills and a certified coach, further deepening her expertise in executive leadership and strategic human resources management.

With her people-centric approach and deep industry knowledge, Ivy is committed to cultivating a high-performance culture that supports CDH Investment Bank’s long-term growth and resilience.

Sungani Mkandawire

Chief Credit Officer

Sungani Mkandawire is the Chief Credit Officer at CDH Investment Bank.

Appointed to the role in April 2020, Sungani has been a central figure in the bank’s credit leadership since 2015. With over 18 years of experience in banking, he brings extensive expertise in credit risk, credit operations, and portfolio management. His earlier roles at CDH Investment Bank include Credit Manager and Credit Administration Manager, positions in which he played a pivotal role in strengthening the bank’s risk culture, refining credit processes, and aligning lending practices with regulatory expectations and strategic business objectives.

Sungani holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI), and a degree in Banking and Financial Services Management from the Malawi College of Accountancy (MCA). He is also a Chartered Banker with the Institute of Bankers South Africa (SA).

Through his blend of technical proficiency and strong risk governance capabilities, Sungani continues to support the bank’s prudent growth and reinforce sound, sustainable credit decision-making.

Jamal Kamoto

Chief Business Development Officer

Jamal Kamoto is the Chief Business Development Officer at CDH Investment Bank. He leads the bank’s Commercial Banking and Marketing divisions. He is responsible for driving strategic growth across the bank’s corporate client base, overseeing customer relationship management, and executing sales and marketing strategies that position CDH Investment Bank as a market leader in financial innovation and client service.

With over 15 years of experience in banking, strategy, and business development, Jamal has built a strong track record of leading high-performance teams, structuring high-impact trade finance transactions, and delivering tailored financial solutions across the corporate and high-net-worth client segments.

He joined CDH Investment Bank in 2020 as Business Development Manager and has since held progressively senior roles, before being appointed to executive management in January 2024.

Prior to joining CDH Investment Bank, Jamal held senior roles in business and corporate banking at Nedbank Malawi Limited and Malawi Savings Bank. He has extensive experience in structured finance, project appraisal, client segmentation, and the execution of corporate advisory and treasury transactions.

Jamal holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Malawi.

He served as a board Member of the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC), where he chaired the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee.

John Chimanikire

Chief Investment Banking Officer

John Chimanikire is the Chief Investment Banking Officer at CDH Investment Bank. With over 34 years of experience in regional and multinational financial institutions. John brings extensive expertise in investment banking, treasury and financial markets, corporate portfolio management, and banking operations.

At CDH Investment Bank, John is responsible for structuring and executing securitisations, listings, government debt securities and project finance solutions.

Prior to joining CDH Investment Bank, John served as Corporate Banker and Head of Advisory Services at Nedbank Zimbabwe. He also held the role of Head of Corporate Finance at Kingdom Bank Limited and represented Zimbabwe on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Water Demand Management Programme, hosted by the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

John holds an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) from the National University of Science and Technology, with a focus on Business Administration, Strategy, and International Trade. He also holds a BSc Honours degree in Economics from the University of Zimbabwe, majoring in Monetary Economics and Economic Planning.

Daniel Mwangwela

Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary

Daniel Mwangwela is Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary at CDH Investment Bank. Since joining the bank in December 2016, he has been responsible for overseeing all legal, regulatory, and governance matters, while serving as principal advisor to the Board and Management on compliance and statutory obligations.

With over a decade of legal experience spanning banking, housing, and private practice, Daniel has built a strong reputation for providing strategic legal counsel and ensuring institutional compliance in complex regulatory environments. Prior to joining CDH Investment Bank, he served as Legal Counsel and Company Secretary at First Merchant Bank and held the role of Legal Services Manager at Malawi Housing Corporation. He began his career in private legal practice with Chisanga & Tomoka , and Mvalo & Company.

Daniel holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Corporate Finance Law from the University of Westminster (UK) and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons) from the University of Malawi. He is a licensed legal practitioner, a Notary Public, and a member of the Malawi Law Society. He is also a recipient of the distinguished British Chevening Scholarship.

Daniel brings depth, integrity, and legal precision to his role, ensuring that CDH Investment Bank operates within a sound legal and ethical framework.

Christopher Ngwira

Chief Internal Auditor

Christopher Ngwira is the Chief Internal Auditor at CDH Investment Bank, a position he has held since July 2016. He leads the bank’s internal audit function, overseeing the evaluation and enhancement of internal controls, governance processes and risk management systems. With over 24 years of professional experience spanning audit, finance, and information technology, Christopher brings deep cross-functional insight to his role. His expertise ensures that the bank maintains the highest standards of accountability, operational integrity, and regulatory compliance.

Before joining CDH Investment Bank, Christopher spent nine years with KPMG, where he advanced to the role of Manager in its Malawi practice. During his tenure, he led audit and advisory engagements for a broad range of clients, strengthening his command of risk-based auditing, financial reporting, and systems assurance.

Christopher holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Derby (England) and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Statistics from the University of Malawi. He is also a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and a certified Internal Auditor (CIA).

With a unique blend of technical acumen and strategic audit leadership, Christopher plays a critical role in reinforcing the governance, transparency, and risk resilience of CDH Investment Bank.

Chris Chirwa

Chief Information Officer

Chris Chirwa is a technology executive with expertise in ICT service management, digital transformation and banking innovation. He was appointed Chief Information Officer at CDH Investment Bank in 2014, where he is responsible for the strategic direction, planning, and operations of the bank’s information technology function.

With over 15 years of experience across the financial services sector, Chris brings strong technical acumen and leadership to his role. He has led the design and rollout of mission critical platforms including core and mobile banking systems, payment gateways, asset and liability management systems, credit scoring tools, electronic tax integrations, and customer self-service portals. His ability to align IT strategy with business growth has enabled CDH Investment Bank to deliver on its innovation agenda.

Prior to joining CDH Investment Bank, Chris served as Head of Information Technology at Opportunity Bank Malawi from 2012 to 2014. He previously held leadership roles at Indebank Limited and Malawi Savings Bank, with earlier technical experience at Burco and ICL Limited.

Chris holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Malawi. He is a certified PRINCE Practitioner and holds the ITIL Foundation Certification. He has furthered his executive education through programs in strategy development, corporate governance, and digital transformation with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS).

Beyond his professional work, Chris is a committed Rotarian, having served as President of the Rotary Club of Blantyre. He is also a contributing writer for Malawi Banker and ICAM magazines, where he regularly shares insights on the role of technology in modern finance.

Robert Malipa

Chief Risk &Compliance Officer

Robert Malipa is the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at CDH Investment Bank, overseeing the institution’s enterprise risk management, compliance, and anti-money laundering functions. He brings over 14 years of specialised experience in assurance, audit and risk-based governance across the financial services sector.

Appointed to executive management in 2022, Robert is responsible for developing and maintaining the bank’s integrated risk management and compliance infrastructure in line with regulators and industry best practices. He plays a key advisory role to the board and executive committees, delivering strategic insight on emerging risks, control environment enhancements, and compliance trends. His leadership ensures that the bank upholds a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, and regulatory adherence across all functions.

Prior to his current role, Robert served as Internal Audit Manager at CDH Investment Bank from 2017 to 2022, where he designed and executed risk-based audit plans, led assurance engagements, and strengthened internal control systems. He began his career at Deloitte Malawi, where he served as Audit Supervisor, managing audit portfolios and building capacity within teams while ensuring strict adherence to IFRS and other regulatory requirements.

Robert holds a Bachelor of Accountancy degree from the University of Malawi. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS). He also holds the Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) and is a Certified Expert in Risk Management (CERM) from the Frankfurt School of Finance.

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