The National Commercial Bank of Anguilla, which evolved from the collapse of the former indigenous banks – NBA and CCB – sees itself making greater strides in banking services for the people of the island by 2025.
According to its own assessment, research and focus, by then it is to be “an innovative, customer-centric, technology-driven and socially responsible employer of choice – and the number one Commercial Bank in the OECS in customer experience and profitability.”
Those objectives were positively and excitedly laid out at a Brand Positioning and Media Launch on Thursday, November 21, 2019. In attendance at the mass event were the NCBA Chairman, Mr. Carl Harrigan; the CEO, Ms. Sharmaine Francois; the Strategy, Marketing and Business Development Manager, Mrs. Avonelle Caragliano; other Managers, Staff members and representatives of media houses.
It was an impressive and attention-grabbing launch event, with the Strategy, Marketing and Business Development Manager, conducting the introductory positions of the launch, and a number of other staff members, aided by video clips, focusing on five of the main pillars of the bank’s brand identity and operations.
One of the NCBA brand pillars, delivered by Mr. Romare Kelsick, stated: “We are strong, responsive and meticulous. Our team is guided by leadership whose character and principles make us the pulse of our communities.” Another pillar recited by Clardeena Richardson was: “We are proud to be Anguillian and build our nation by bringing our people together through equal opportunities.” Yet another pillar given by Kwame Connor was: “With prudence and accountability we continue to evolve, expanding our operations and services to cater to the individual and holistic growth of our people.”
Perhaps the most reassuring information about the operations of NCBA came from the highly-qualified St. Lucian-born CEO, Ms. Francois. In a voice filled with commitment and excitement, she told the gathering, “Your Bank is here to stay. Your bank has maintained its leading position in all the key sections in the market. At July 2019, loans were 61 percent [of the local market]; deposits 62 percent; and total assets 54 percent.”
She portrayed NCBA as follows: “We are your local bank with a well-respected brand –100% Anguillian. We are respected [by] leaders in the field of banking – our staff is well-qualified. [There is a] qualified and effective Board of Directors. [We have]a strong home market position and attractive loan opportunities – and yes, we are lending; our profits remain in Anguilla to develop Anguilla. We are your bank – we are the people’s bank.”
In stressing its mark in Anguilla, NCBA was said to be doing so by supporting “the development of Anguilla through the provision of financing for land acquisition and/or development; home construction or home purchase; commercial loan financing; education and people development; and vehicle ownership etc.”
The NCBA Brand Positioning and Media Launch climaxed with the CEO telling the people of Anguilla: “Come in for loans. We have the liquidity.”