Joe started his professional career in 2000 with Intercontact Services and his banking career in 2004 with Santander UK, formerly Abbey National Plc, a UK-based bank. In Santander, he was a lending consultant with a focus on retail lending.

He joined Finbank, then a subsidiary of Access Bank Plc, Nigeria, in 2009. During the last 6 years with the bank, he has managed several business portfolios including retail, commercial, corporate and institutional banking. He brings on board over 15 years of banking experience, spanning over portfolio management, risk management; sales and marketing; strategy formulation and execution, relationship management. In Finbank, he has been responsible for the management of our key corporate clientele and has led many financing rounds for our big corporate customers. Some of his key initiatives have been;

1. Leading a syndication for Burundi Cement Company – the main cement company in the country;

2. Organising financing for Rainbow Mining Burundi and offering a comprehensive banking solution;

3. Offering trade finance solutions to the energy sector including key players such as Regideso and the supply chain;

As Managing Director, Joe is responsible for the overall strategic outlook, culture and performance of the bank.

He holds a BSc in Economics and a Masters Degree in International and Development Economics and a professional Diploma in Business Banking from The Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland, UK.  He has also accumulated professional trainings in Financial Management; Business Finance; Risk Management; Investment; from Worldwide Leaders in Learning Solutions such as Thompson Reuters and ACI.

WILLY RWANKINEZA, Deputy Managing Director

Willy Rwankineza brings nearly 25 years of distinguished experience in Banking and Finance, with deep expertise in Corporate and Institutional Banking, credit analysis, risk management, and strategic financial operations. At Finbank, he has held key leadership roles including Head of Corporate & Institutional Banking; Head of Corporate & Commercial Banking and Head of Operations, where he consistently delivered strong results through effective leadership and client-centric approach.

Prior to joining Finbank, Willy served in senior positions at Ecobank Burundi, Diamond Trust Bank, and Banque de Crédit de Bujumbura. He also gained valuable cross-sector experience in the petroleum and trade industries. Renowned for his strengths in credit portfolio management, operational efficiency, and talent development, Willy is widely regarded as a respected leader within Burundi’s financial sector.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Finance & Accounting) from Université Martin Luther King, and has pursued additional professional training in fiscal management and Corporate Finance.

In his new role, Willy is expected to strengthen Finbank’s institutional capabilities, elevate service excellence, and advance the bank’s strategic roadmap. His priorities will include driving sustainable growth, enhancing operational effectiveness, and deepening client relationships across all market segments.