Nairobi, April 21 -- Co-operative Bank of Kenya has signalled plans to expand into new markets and appoint a separate CEO to lead its banking unit in the country following creation of a holding company and a new subsidiary for its core banking operations.

The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed bank said on Tuesday that it has received approval by its board for a new structure that will see the Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited renamed as Co-op Bank Group Plc and a new banking business subsidiary, Co-op Bank Kenya Limited, created.

Co-op Bank Group Plc will be a non-operating holding company, while Co-op Bank Kenya Limited will be the unit dedicated to banking operations in Kenya.

The new model awaits approval from shareholders, the Ce...