Orange Donates Digital Kits to St. Theresa’s Police and Holy Family Schools


In a move to enhance digital education in Sierra Leone, Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, the non-profit arm of Orange Sierra Leone, donated Digital School Kits to two primary schools St. Theresa’s Police School in Bo District and Holy Family Primary School R.C Boys in Pujehun District, the alma mater of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio. The donations were made on Monday, 10th February, and Tuesday, 11th February 2025, respectively.

Each school received cutting-edge equipment such as tablets, Raspberry Pi devices, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, projectors, screens, headsets, extension cables, power banks, and solar panels. These resources are tailored to enhance digital literacy, providing young pupils with access to digital tools that will revolutionize classroom learning and prepare them for a tech-driven future.

In her remarks at both schools, Finnah Mariama Stevens, Head of Orange Digital Centre, highlighted that the Orange Foundation has been actively involved in various humanitarian efforts, particularly in the education sector. She stated that the donation of digital school kits is a key initiative under the foundation’s education wing.

She emphasized the importance of technological tools in driving innovation and bridging the digital divide. She noted that the foundation has donated similar kits to various schools across the country, stressing that these resources are provided free of charge with the vision of ensuring that every child in Sierra Leone has access to the technological tools necessary for today’s digital world.

Finnah Mariama Stevens also underscored Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to the government’s human capital development agenda, particularly its focus on empowering young girls through access to digital resources.

She urged the schools to utilize the donation effectively, emphasizing that with the right tools and skills, pupils in Sierra Leone can compete with their peers in other countries in the field of technology in the coming years.

Paramount Chief Prince Lappia Boima IV of Kakua Chiefdom, Bo District addressed residents, highlighting concerns about the frequent cutting of mobile operators’ fiber cables, which often leads to poor network connectivity across the country.

Reflecting on his school days, he noted that such digital learning facilities were unavailable to them at the time. He emphasized that today’s pupils are fortunate to be exposed to digital learning at an early age and commended Orange Sierra Leone for its generous donation.

The Paramount Chief urged parents to prioritize their children’s education, stressing that these donated school kits are meant to benefit the pupils, and if children do not attend school, these resources will go to waste.

John Abu, Resident Minister of the Southern Region, has expressed appreciation to Orange Foundation Sierra Leone for its generous donation of Digital School Kits, describing it as a gateway to digital learning. He encouraged pupils to take full advantage of the opportunity, noting that such resources were unavailable during his own school days.

“As a responsible company, Orange has proven that it is not just focused on making profits but also committed to giving back to society through meaningful investments in education,” he stated.

He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bio’s Human Capital Development agenda, which is crucial to transforming the country. He further noted that the donation comes at a critical time when the world is rapidly advancing in digital technology, stressing that Sierra Leone must not be left behind in this revolution.

The Minister concluded by urging the school administration to ensure that the donated digital tools are effectively utilized so that pupils can fully benefit from the enhanced learning experience.

Addressing the gathering in Bo, Sekou Amadou Bah, CEO of Orange Sierra Leone underscored the transformative potential of the Digital School Kits in promoting education and empowering pupils through technology.

“These kits are electronic libraries designed to provide educational content to schools with limited or no internet access,” he noted. “Currently, 16 countries, including Sierra Leone, have benefited from this program, with 1,400 schools and 500,000 pupils gaining access to digital education tools.”

Over the past three years, Orange Sierra Leone has donated 35 Digital School Kits, impacting over 10,000 pupils nationwide. The initiative also offers schools the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Wiki Challenge, an international competition organized by Orange Group.

Bah urged pupils and teachers to handle the equipment with care and fully utilize them to enhance learning. “With technology, we can expand our horizons and enable new ways of easy learning. These tools are not just about access but about empowering young minds to explore and innovate,” he stated.

He reaffirmed Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting the government’s human capital development agenda through initiatives that align with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for the country.

Alusine Senessie, School Assistance Officer for MBSSE in Bo District, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), applauded Orange Sierra Leone for complementing the ministry’s efforts in enhancing digital learning for pupils.

He assured the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the donated kits in various schools. He emphasized that technology is the future, and these digital resources will not only benefit pupils but also support teachers in lesson planning and delivery, ultimately improving learning outcomes in schools.

Hawa Bay Jusu, Head teacher of Holy Family Primary School R.C Boys, expressed deep appreciation for the donation of Digital School Kits by Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, describing it as a historic milestone for the school since its establishment in 1912, emphasized that the arrival of the digital kits marks a turning point in the school’s pursuit of technological advancement.

“We are eager to explore these wonderful digital tools in our school, and our vision has finally come true. This donation has brought us honor, respect, and hope,” she stated.

The Head Teacher assured Orange Foundation and all stakeholders that the Digital School Kits which include tablets, laptops, Raspberry Pi devices, projectors, power banks, and other essential tools would be used for their intended purpose to enhance digital literacy among pupils.

Additionally, she extended gratitude to Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, for selecting the school as a beneficiary in recognition of it being the alma mater of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.

She called on the government and stakeholders to address these concerns to create a safer learning environment for pupils.

Both events concluded with the formal handover of the Digital School Kits to the school administration, symbolizing a new chapter in the pupils’ education journey.




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First Lady Hands Over Orange Digital School Kits to Ansarul Primary School in Kono


On Monday, January 27, 2025, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, officially launched Orange Foundation Sierra Leone’s Orange Digital School Kits initiative.

The event, held at the Ansarul Islamic Primary School for Girls in Kono District her alma mater was a significant step toward enhancing the digital learning experience for young pupils in Sierra Leone.

Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, alongside Orange Sierra Leone CEO Sekou Amadou Bah, ceremoniously handed over a comprehensive set of digital school kits to the school. This donation aims to foster technological literacy and equip pupils with critical skills to thrive in a digital era.

The ceremony, hosted in the school hall, attracted high-profile attendees, including the Mayor of Koidu City, Komba Mathew Sam; Orange Sierra Leone General Secretary Danetta Younge; Head of Orange Digital Centre Finnah Mariama Stevens; as well as school authorities, community stakeholders, and local residents.

The donated digital kits comprised cutting-edge tools such as tablets, Raspberry Pi devices, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, projectors, screens, headsets, extension cables, power banks, and solar panels. These resources are tailored to enhance digital literacy, providing students with access to a tech-driven education.

In her remarks, Finnah Mariama Stevens emphasized the need for technological tools to drive innovation and bridge the digital divide. “From Freetown to Bo, Kenema, Kailahun, Pujehun, and now Kono, the Orange Foundation is ensuring that every child in Sierra Leone has access to the technological tools essential for today’s world,” she said.

She underscored Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to the government’s human capital development agenda and its focus on empowering young girls through access to digital resources.

Addressing the gathering, Sekou Amadou Bah, CEO of Orange Sierra Leone underscored the transformative potential of the Digital School Kits in promoting education and empowering pupils through technology.

“These kits are electronic libraries designed to provide educational content to schools with limited or no internet access,” he noted “Currently, 16 countries, including Sierra Leone, have benefited from this program, with 1,400 schools and 500,000 pupils gaining access to digital education tools.”

Over the past three years, Orange Sierra Leone has donated 35 Digital School Kits, impacting over 10,000 pupils nationwide. The initiative also offers schools the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Wiki Challenge, an international competition organized by Orange Group. Last year, a Sierra Leonean school, Dele Preparatory School, won a €5,000 prize for their article on “Krio Print Dress.”

Bah urged pupils and teachers to handle the equipment with care and fully utilize them to enhance learning. “With technology, we can expand our horizons and enable new ways of easy learning. These tools are not just about access but about empowering young minds to explore and innovate,” he stated.

He reaffirmed Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting the government’s human capital development agenda through initiatives that align with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for the country.

His Worship, Mayor Komba Mathew Sam, expressed his gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for selecting the Ansarul Islamic Primary School for Girls as a beneficiary of the initiative. He praised Orange Sierra Leone for bringing such innovative resources to his district and urged the school to utilize the digital kits to their fullest potential.

Reflecting on his own educational journey, Mayor Sam stated, “During my school days, I did not have the privilege of learning about computers until my college years. These young girls are fortunate to have this opportunity at such an early stage, and I hope they make the most of it.”

Headmistress Zainab Bah also commended the Orange Foundation for their generosity and expressed appreciation to Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for gracing the event. “We are committed to making the most of these resources to enhance our pupils’ learning experience and ensure their sustainability,” she assured.

In her keynote address, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio commended Orange Foundation Sierra Leone for its commitment to empowering education and emphasized the importance of equipping pupils with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital age. The initiative underscores the collaborative efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote educational development across the nation.

The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, expressed deep gratitude to her former school, crediting it for shaping her into the woman she is today. Dr. Bio highlighted the importance of technology in modern education, emphasizing that the digital kits would provide the pupils access to the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world.

Dr. Bio encouraged the pupils to aspire beyond societal expectations, urging them to embrace science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses to position themselves as leaders in Sierra Leone and beyond. She underscored the importance of breaking barriers, discouraging early marriages, and striving for careers in leadership and innovation.

She urged the school to make effective use of the digital kits, emphasizing the importance of embracing technology in an increasingly digital world. “Today, let us celebrate Orange. I want all the pupils here to stand up and say, ‘Thank you, Orange.’ We promise to make good use of this facility and this opportunity.

She also expressed her gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for the digital school kits, praising their efforts to empower girls across the country. “May God bless Orange Sierra Leone, elevate them, and help them grow from strength to strength,” she concluded.

The event concluded with the formal handover of the Digital School Kits to the school administration, symbolizing a new chapter in the pupils’ education journey. This initiative is expected to inspire a brighter future through the integration of technology into learning, paving the way for innovation and progress in Sierra Leone.




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ITC Launches READY Salone Project to Train 3,000 Sierra Leonean Youth For The Digital Economy


Young entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone are set to sharpen their digital skills with the launch of the ‘Sierra Leone: Empowering Youth through Digital Technologies’ (READY Salone) project by the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented over four years, the READY Salone project will support youth, young entrepreneurs, business support organizations, tech hubs and policymakers to harness opportunities in the digital economy. The initiative places a strong emphasis on young women and persons with disabilities.

The launch event will be attended by key government officials, including Hon. Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister; Hon. Ms. Haja Salimatu Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation; Hon. Mr. Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs; and Hon. Mr. Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry. Over 100 youth and key stakeholders from the business and tech communities are also expected to participate.

To mark the project launch, there will be a signing of a memorandum of understanding by ITC Executive Director, Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton; the Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Hon. Dr. David Moinina Sengeh; and KOICA Nigeria, Deputy Country Director, Mr. Baik Ki-Hyun.

Four interventions underpin the READY Salone project: enhancing digital literacy among youth; boosting entrepreneurial competitiveness through upskilling; strengthening tech-focused business support services; and developing inclusive national digital strategies. More information about the project can be found in its flyer here.

Through the project, 3,000 youth and 250 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises will gain access to digital skills and business opportunities.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation are the main government partners for READY Salone.

Interested youth and young entrepreneurs may express their interest in the project by completing this form.

About the International Trade Centre

ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information, visit www.intracen.org.




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A Center of Excellence For Financial Inclusion And Economic Growth in Sierra Leone’s Digital Journey


Rokel Commercial Bank (formerly Barclays Bank of Sierra Leone) is one of the leading Banking institutions in Sierra Leone in terms of digital financial services.

RCBank was established in 1917 as Barclays Bank DCO with 100% shares owned by the parent company. The rationale behind the move was to encourage Sierra Leoneans to Participate as owners and develop confidence in the Bank. Named after the longest river in Sierra Leone, Rokel Commercial bank remains the gateway to banking in the country.

RCBank Simkorpor Plus Application and Internet Banking have resulted in the transformation of the digital landscape and brought unprecedented convenience to Sierra Leoneans for their financial transactions.

Dr. Walton E. Gilpin; RC Bank Managing Director, reaffirmed the commitment of management to comply with the Bank of Sierra Leone Prudential Guidelines and to position RCB as the preferred banking institution in Sierra Leone. ‘’it is going be the people’s bank with branches operating in other part of the sub region.

CREATING A CENTER OF EXCELLENCE – enable business units to drive financial inclusion and economic growth in Sierra Leone digital journey
The Bank is a Center of Excellence within Sierra Leone Financial Industry which operates with principles of empowering business units and facilitating financial transactions to drive growth in the financial Industry and the economy.

With RCBank Internet Banking, customers can automatically Pay their Bills Super fast with Online Banking Services.

The Process is Simple to pay for goods and services using Sim Korpor: Just Use the QR Code Function to Scan RCBank QR Codes at Supermarkets, restaurants, markets, Hospitals, bars, and more . Alternatively, you can use the Institutional payment option to make payment.
Customers accounts are automatically credited or debited for each deposit, making it easy to stay on track.

The introduction of the Rokel Sim Korpor Plus Application marked not only a significant milestone for the bank but also for Sierra Leone as a whole.

During an interview with the head of RCBank Sim Korpor department Mrs. Kezia Salankole emphasized how RCBank’s Simkorpor department has transformed the digital landscape and brought unprecedented convenience to Sierra Leoneans for their financial transactions.

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the bank has empowered people to perform secure and seamless transactions from the comfort of their own homes or wherever they may be,” she said.
A standout accomplishment that Mrs. Salankole proudly shared was the expansion of the RCBank Simkorpor department, which can now boast of over 200 agency banking locations spread throughout the country. “This achievement is a testament to RCBank’s dedication to serving the needs of its customers and bringing innovative solutions closer to them,” she noted.

Mrs. Salankole acknowledged that customer orientation played a pivotal role in their success.
RCBank’s customer-centric approach ensures that every decision made by the bank is geared towards enhancing customer satisfaction. This dedication to customer service has been the driving force behind the success of their flagship program, the Simkorpor Service, which was initiated by their Managing Director, Dr. Gilpin.

Reflecting on the impact of the Simkorpor Service, Mrs. Salankole explained that it has become the bank’s digital icon, enabling customers to conduct various transactions, such as paying for goods and services, handling third-party services, and paying bills from anywhere they are located.
“This has facilitated financial inclusiveness, increased access to finance, and reduced costs for individuals, contributing to the growth of Sierra Leone’s economy,” she said.

While celebrating their achievements, Mrs. Salankole acknowledged the challenges they faced in promoting digital services, particularly in overcoming resistance from individuals not yet accustomed to using such technologies. However, RCBank’s dedicated marketing teams have been actively raising awareness among the masses, making strides to bridge the digital divide and encourage the adoption of their services.

Regarding security measures, Mrs. Salankole assured customers that the Sim Korpor Service incorporates robust security features. Transactions are protected by two-factor authentication and encrypted end-to-end to ensure maximum safety. However, she also emphasized the importance for customers to protect their phones with passwords and remain vigilant about their device security.

As RCBank continues to expand its digital footprint, the Simkorpor department’s success is a testament to the bank’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. With over 200 agency banking locations nationwide, RCBank is poised to further drive financial inclusion and economic growth in Sierra Leone.




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Orange Sierra Leone Digital Center and Coursera Join Forces to Offer Free Certification courses for New Digital Professions


Orange Sierra Leone Digital Center is launching a free high-level certification training program in partnership with Coursera, the world leader in online learning.

This partnership aims to offer young people in Africa and the Middle East the opportunity to acquire essential skills in digital professions, free of charge and at their own pace.

The Orange Digital Center (ODC) network is driving digital inclusion for young people and entrepreneurs across Africa and the Middle East through its 16 centers. It is launching this initiative to provide young people in the region with key skills in essential areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. These programs are designed to meet the needs of the ever-evolving job market, providing talented young people with the knowledge and skills they need to enter the job market, develop their careers, or encourage them to become digital entrepreneurs.

Orange Digital Centers are physical structures designed to be hubs of innovation and learning, free and open to all, providing a dynamic environment where young people can develop their skills, explore new technologies, and stimulate their creativity.

Equipped with the latest technologies, they support young people throughout the entire technological innovation and entrepreneurship value chain. This innovation ecosystem consists of several spaces that offer free learning programs: a Code School, a Solidarity FabLab, an ‘Orange Fab’ startup accelerator, and Orange Ventures Middle East and Africa, the Orange Group’s investment fund that invests in the most promising startups.

Asma Ennaifer, Executive Director CSR, Orange Digital Centers and Communication, Orange Africa and Middle East, says: “At Orange, we firmly believe that digital inclusion is the key to creating a fairer and more prosperous future for everyone. In partnership with Coursera and through the Orange Digital Centers, we are opening the doors of certification training to all our beneficiaries, offering educational and professional development opportunities to those who need them most. ”

You’ll find all the Orange SL Digital Center training courses on the Coursera platform here https://www.coursera.org/

Press Contacts:

Orange Sierra Leone: Mabel Mason, [email protected], + 232 76 450 189 Orange Middle East and Africa: Anita Oyono, [email protected], +33 6 75 02 03 79




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Rokel Commercial Bank Takes to the Streets in Digital Awareness Parade


In a vibrant display of technological prowess, Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), Sierra Leone’s premier banking institution, orchestrated a lively floating parade on Saturday, February 10, 2024.

The parade, stretching from the up-gun turn table to the bank’s headquarters on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown, aimed to sensitize the public about the bank’s digital products and their myriad benefits to customers.

The well-attended event saw a convergence of senior and junior bank staff, accompanied by a multitude of media personnel, navigating the streets of Freetown to disseminate information on RCB’s digital offerings. The parade was adorned with the sounds of Sierra Leonean music and the lively bubu dance, providing entertainment for both staff and onlookers while effectively conveying the bank’s message.

In a Brief statement Dr. Walton Gilpin, Managing Director of RCB, expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “This is the beginning of more things to come. The float is also a way of celebrating the banking sector and educating customers and the public about banking in a new and unique way.” Gilpin emphasized that the massive float parade served as a comprehensive awareness initiative for everyone to acquaint themselves with the bank.

Dr.Gilpin highlighted the bank’s commitment to digitalization, showcasing initiatives such as ATM cardless transactions, issuance of Visa Prepaid Cards, and the integration of services like SIMKorpor and EKorpor. These advancements, he noted, streamline tasks, enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and expedite processing times.

Expressing gratitude to the dedicated staff, Gilpin assured that RCB would extend its sensitization efforts nationwide, ensuring every Sierra Leonean gains a comprehensive understanding of digital banking, cybersecurity, and the benefits of going cashless.

Director of Credit Risk Management, Mrs. Milicent Cole, added that the mass marketing campaign aimed to provide insight into the bank’s digital systems and products. She affirmed that RCB’s outreach wouldn’t be confined to Freetown, as the bank plans to traverse the provinces, ensuring customers across the nation are well-informed.

Mrs. Cole hinted at future interactive activities, including Fun Days and sporting events for staff at RCB’s beach house in Goderich. Additionally, she revealed the bank’s commitment to promoting agriculture and other critical human capital development initiatives.

As Rokel Commercial Bank takes strides in digitization, their dynamic approach to public awareness underscores their dedication to embracing the digital era and ensuring every citizen is equipped with the knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of modern banking.




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Sierra Leonean Digital Osusu App, MiKashBoks Introduces Innovative Personal Savings Feature


MiKashBoks, the pioneering “Osusu Na Yu Phone” fintech app founded by Sierra Leonean tech entrepreneur Salton Massally, proudly announces the launch of its personal savings feature, now available to customers in Sierra Leone.

Expanding its commitment to financial empowerment, MiKashBoks enables users to effortlessly transfer funds from their mobile money to their Personal “Mi Cashbox” wallets. This new feature allows users to grow their savings and earn interest securely, enhancing their financial stability and independence.

Key Benefits of Individual Savings Feature:

1. Secure Growth: Safely increase savings with a dedicated “Mi Cashbox” wallet.
2. Set goals and track your progress
3. Earn Interest: Benefit from earning interest on saved funds, contributing to financial growth.
4. Ease of Use: Transfer funds seamlessly from your mobile money to your Individual “Mi Cashbox” accounts.
5. Access to your money when you need it – no need to queue in a bank!

Since its August 2023 inception, MiKashBoks has grown rapidly, adding 1500 customers in its first 90 days.

MiKashBoks recently obtained its financial services licence from the Bank of Sierra Leone and has also stated its commitment to supporting financial literacy in the country.

“The introduction of ‘Mi Cashbox’ for personal savings is a game-changer in our mission to enhance financial empowerment in Sierra Leone. This feature allows our users to grow their savings securely and offers the added benefit of earning interest, contributing to their financial wellness. We remain committed to innovating in ways that support and expand financial inclusion, providing our users with robust tools to build their financial futures.” – Salton Massally, Founder, MiKashBoks

For Sierra Leone residents, you can Download MiKashBoks on the Google Play Store. For non-smartphone users, save and receive payouts using the SMS/USSD shortcode *352#.




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RCBank Expands Digital Presence With New Kiosks Across Sierra Leone


In a strategic move towards enhancing financial inclusivity in Sierra Leone, Rokel Commercial Bank has taken further steps in its digital expansion efforts.

The bank recently unveiled three new kiosks as part of its Agency Banking initiative, strategically placed at Mile 91, Rutile, and Lunsar.

Emile Sannah, Supervisor of the Rokel SimKorpor Unit, highlighted that this development was a key component of the bank’s vision to foster accessibility and streamline financial processes in Sierra Leone.

This forward-looking strategy also aims to introduce seamless paperless transactions, thus alleviating the financial burden previously endured by customers who had to travel considerable distances to access the bank’s facilities.

Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, Rokel Commercial Bank has effectively empowered more than 200 digital banking agents across the nation. These agents are now equipped to execute a wide array of financial transactions, mirroring the services traditionally provided by the bank’s main branches and outlets spread throughout the country.

Distinguished individuals who graced the launch event praised the management of Rokel Commercial Bank for its swift responsiveness to the concerns of the community.

Prior to this digital expansion, residents faced significant challenges in accessing their funds, often requiring arduous journeys to neighboring towns, resulting in substantial financial implications.

Emile Sannah emphasized the stringent background checks conducted on agents, coupled with the signing of legal agreements, ensuring the utmost security of funds.

Notably, the introduced services boast robust security features, including two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption, providing customers with peace of mind while engaging in their financial transactions.






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