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RCBank Issue Official Communique From The National Symposium on Cyber Security And Financial Inclusion


One of Sierra Leone’s leading financial institutions, Rokel Commercial Bank has issued a Communiqué from the National Symposium on Cybersecurity and Financial Inclusion Organized by the RCBank and EST Applied Intelligence (UK) On the 22nd February 2024 at the Freetown City Council Auditorium.

The event which attracted over 500 participants from financial Institutions, MDAS, the private sector, educational institutions, security agencies etc, was part of the bank’s contribution towards the strengthening and or establishment of a robust cybersecurity capability in Sierra Leone.

The symposium was immediately followed by a working breakfast where a smaller group of carefully selected participants from RCBank and other relevant institutions further deliberated to identify six key variables that subsequently became the communique for the RCBank National Symposium on Cybersecurity and Financial Inclusion in Sierra Leone. These are as follows:



1) Increased awareness of the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape and the importance of proactive measures to mitigate risks.

2) Enhanced understanding of best practices, frameworks and strategies for safeguarding digital assets and infrastructure including sensitive customer data

3) Strengthened professional connections and collaboration opportunities within the financial services, defence, national security and wider cybersecurity communities

4) Formation of the first ever Cybersecurity Tiger Group in Sierra Leone for cross sector collaboration and capacity building.

5) Formation of the first ever Financial Services Cybersecurity Chapter in Sierra Leone The Gilpin Chapter

6) Formation of the first ever Defence Cybersecurity Chapter in Sierra Leone – The Lavahun Chapter.

The Management of the Bank  further express their immense gratitude to our distinguished guests, esteemed speakers, panelists, media representatives, and partners for their invaluable support and contributions. Your expertise and dedication significantly enriched the symposium and breakfast experience and contributed to its success. They also extend a special thank you to the organizing committee and volunteers whose hard work and dedication made these events possible.

“Your tireless efforts behind the scenes were instrumental in ensuring a seamless and impactful symposium and breakfast. As we reflect on the insights shared and connections made during the symposium and breakfast, let us continue to collaborate and innovate in the field of cyber security. Together, we can strengthen our defences, adapt to evolving threats, and build a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem. We encourage you to stay connected with us and secure and resilient digital ecosystem. They encourage all participants to stay connected with them and each other, whether through professional networks, follow-up discussions, or future collaborative initiatives,”the communiqué states.

The Bank urge for all to harness the momentum generated by the African Banker’s symposium and breakfast to drive positive change and advance cyber security excellence.

 





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RCBank Collaborates with UK’s Applied Intelligence to Host National Cybersecurity and Financial Inclusion Symposium


EST Applied Intelligence, a Cybersecurity firm based in the UK, is collaborating with one of Sierra Leone’s leading banks, Rokel Commercial Bank, to organize a one-day symposium on Cybersecurity and Financial Inclusion at the Freetown City Council Auditorium on the 22nd of February, 2024.

EST Applied Intelligence is a specialist enterprise security consultancy firm that comprises a team of forward-thinking experts with deep domain knowledge in Cybersecurity. They are working in partnership with clients in both public and private sector organizations to help navigate their security challenges across complex business and technology landscapes.

The strategic pillar of EST Applied Intelligence is geared towards structuring and evaluating the organization’s strategy to ensure it is forward-thinking and will meet the dynamic and challenging business demands. Aligning enterprise security to business priorities, the firm aims to develop and set up a robust and bespoke enterprise security capability through innovative skills matrix alignment and optimization.



The symposium, the first ever to be spearheaded by a local financial institution in the country, will bring together political leaders, industry leaders, experts, and innovators both locally and internationally to principally discuss the country’s capacity and preparedness to confront and neutralize potential cyber attacks on our financial system.

As the bank repositions itself for international competitiveness, it recently announced five top priorities it will be rolling out to actualize its vision for 2024.

This development came after the bank’s CEO, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, was recognized as African Banker of the Year 2023 by the UK-based Reputation Poll International.

Sources say there is palpable excitement within the financial sector as the Symposium is expected to engineer a blueprint for a robust Cybersecurity environment for Sierra Leone’s financial system.

The Symposium will also discuss ways Cybersecurity enhances financial inclusion and will outline the manifesto of the African Banker of the Year.

Dr. Gilpin indicated that these are exciting times for the financial sector and human capacity development in Sierra Leone.

RCBank – The Bank of Choice & Integrity!!



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RCBank Honored with National Education Champions Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sierra Leone’s Education and Development


Rokel Commercial Bank, standing as the leading commercial bank in the nation, is swiftly gaining early recognition in 2024 for its substantial contributions to education and the overall development of Sierra Leone.

The bank’s remarkable efforts in supporting education and community development have not gone unnoticed, marking a commendable start to the year.

The Bank was awarded for its eminent contributions to the educational sector over the past five years on the 27th January, 2024 during the National Education Champions Awards – Dinner & Awards Night at the Hotel Cabenda Signal Hill Freetown by the Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah Education Foundation.



Additionally, the Foundation presented a plaque award of Significant Contributor in the Education Sector to the Managing Director & CEO of RCBank, which was received by the Head of Public Relations Unit (Aruna Dumbuya) on behalf of the MD.

The keynote speaker, Mr. Alhaji Allieu Sesay is an accomplished Policy Analyst, Economic Management Specialist, Tax & Customs Expert, Macroeconomist, and Econometrician with over twenty-five (25) years of professional experience in research, policy analysis, public policy, management, economic and public financial strategist.

Mr. Sesay recognized the good work of the foundation and commended Mr. Justice Ganawah for thriving on the ideologies of his mother. Mr. Sesay noted the importance of education and encouraged all to support the philanthropic work of the foundation; as the foundation’s concept is in line with the achievement of quality and sustainable education and meeting Universal Global Objectives for poverty reduction and sustainable development in education.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justice Ganawah – of the Foundation commented on the focus, mission and vision of the foundation, stating that their work is geared towards achieving quality and sustainable education for the less privileged and hardworking students in Sierra Leone.

‘Hence Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah Education Foundation (MaMJGEF) is here for the less privileged and hard-working students to acquire high-quality education and to ensure high standards in the educational system in Sierra Leone, he stated’. He apprised that their vision is to eradicate illiteracy in Sierra Leone by creating an educational platform that ensures the highest standards of an inclusive system.

Commenting on the background and purpose of the foundation, Mr. Ganawah stated that the foundation is built on the legacy of the late Mamie Mariama Ganawah of blessed memory, who was someone that had passion for high-quality education.

The Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah Education Foundation (MaMJGEF) is raising awareness among members to take active roles in improving the nationwide problem of access to quality education and its importance in the country. The foundation’s purpose is to work with a mission of informing vulnerable communities about literacy issues in the country.

The impressive honor awarded by The Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah Education Foundation (MaMJGEF) reflects the Bank’s outstanding performance and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) services to the people of Sierra Leone.

Dr. Gilpin’s Humanitarian Foundation (GEED) maintains similar ideologies and creeds to that of The Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah Education Foundation (MaMJGEF) to consider the underprivileged and destitute.

RCBank – The Bank of choice!!!!!



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RCBank Launches Seven New E-Banking Products And Services


In a strategic move to provide top-notch digital Banking services  its current and Potential Customers , Rokel Commercial Bank has launched Seven new E-Banking Products and Services [ E-Banking Baskit] on Friday 1st September at the D’ Bim D Bam Hall, Wellington Street Freetown.

In his Presentation of the New E Banking Products and Services to the audience, Victor Kanu , Officer in Charge RCBank E-Banking Product and services revealed that over the years they have worked tremendously to see how they can match and surpass what their competitors are doing. He acknowledged that the current trend of Global Banking is digital and they are working hard to adopt the status quo. The seven new products and E-Banking services he listed are Prepaid Card, Classic Visa Card Proprietary /Local Card , Cardless transaction on ATM, ATM Terminals, Remittances Money gram, Western Union, RIA, POS Terminal.



He described RCBank Visa Prepaid Card as reloadable and the cardholder can either be an account holder or non account holder and denominated in Leones. He added that this will give great opportunity to reach out to all the people that are currently excluded from the financial system in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on the importance of RCBank Debit Visa Classic Card, he pointed out that the card is directly linked to a customer’s account of the bank , transaction on the card impact the customer account directly. He further confirmed that the card can be used both local and International on any VISA enable terminal [ATM, POS,and Web/ Online]. He affirmed that the card is powered by VISA, a global card scheme in which the bank has a principal License membership.

Richard A.F Ashcroft, the Agency Banking Officer at RCBank, shared remarkable success stories and testimonials from Simkorpor in his Presentation.

He mentioned notable instances of their Ekorpor successes where payments were made to 26,000 recipients to NACSA, ECSL [UNDP] 91000[present], Save the Children 15,000, AFENET 25,000 and NETIPS 10,000 in a short period, many of whom did not have accounts with RCBank. While transaction limits are currently set at Le15,000 per transaction, Ashcroft expressed the bank’s commitment to further develop the service.

Managing Director of RCBank, Dr, Ekundayo Gilpin described the various E-banking products and services as a sum total of RCBank ambitious digitalization programme that has invariably transitioned into fast, reliable, modern, safe and efficient banking services. He recalled that sometimes back when they expressed their ambition to go digital, some people were casting aspersions. He pointed out that many people were calling the Bank they took up in 2017 Provocative names, but because he got a team of likeminded people which are the shareholders, and dedicated staff who work in the institution they were able to change the narrative. He further revealed that now is the time to show the world that Sierra Leoneans can emerge as people of Substance who can equal and surpass any other bank in this in the aspect of digitization. Addressing the issue of safety and security for customers data and finance, he acknowledged that in terms of digitization and Online Processing there is potential for fraud. He referenced the recent data Breach of the British Metropolitan Service as a manifestation of potential fraud. He allays the fear of the audience that they have put together solution s to protect their customers’ cash with one of best standards globally.

The Board Chairman of RCBank described the occasion as tremendous and not only for the Bank but for Sierra Leone. He acknowledged that it has not been an Easy Journey but he believes that a journey of a thousand mile begins with a first step. He affirmed that despite reaching their goals with a thousand mile, they would like to go beyond the said thousand miles. He confirmed that the board of the bank is in a strategic direction, and commends the management and staff that actualize their plans and strategies. He acknowledges that they can have the best of ideas and strategies but the people that implement them are the ones that mainly deserve applaud. He affirms the board commitment to always support management.

Representing the Acting Bank Governor, Mr. Jarret, Director of Banking and Supervision at the Bank of Sierra Leone congratulated the Chairman, Managing Director and the Board and Management of RCBANK. He pointed out that from the speech of the Managing Director, he was able to see all what RCBank has to offer and map out the path the Bank has journeyed since the time Barclays Bank left the shores of Freetown and was transformed to RCBank, to the present day. He described the apt speech of the Managing Director, Dr. Gilpin as a chronology of achievements.

Launching the RCBank E-Banking Products and Services [ E-Banking Baskit], the Deputy Minister of Finance, Madam Jeneba Bangura herself as now a potential customer of RCBank. She justified that her decision to serve as a potential customer of RCBank is as a result of the significant strides the Bank is making in Sierra Leone.

“I’m really really impressed, this is my second event. We were here about three weeks ago where I joined you 5 years of digital financial service with Simkorpor and I am here again to launch services and Products.RCBank you guys are leading. As I stand through both presentations, not only did I know that you guys are providing all these services but I am impressed that you have done within the shortest possible time and your efforts is exactly into what this government is trying to do which is innovation and digital transformation ” she stated.

She pointed out that digitization is very important especially when it comes to providing services for customers whether in the Banking sector, or revenue collection. she affirmed that it is important because it saves money , time and provide security and provides accountability for customers.

 

 



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RCBank Holds Public Lecture, Awards Outstanding Customers And Agents


In a strategic move towards appreciating the good work of its Agents and Customers, RCBank has held a Public Lecture and an Award ceremony for its customers and Simkorpor Agents for their outstanding contributions towards the development of the Bank on Friday, 11th August 2023, at the D’ Bim D’ Bam Hall Wellington Street, Freetown.

Mrs. Kezia Salankole, Head of Simkorpor at RCBank, pointed out that the award ceremony is in line with the  Celebration of Simkorpor 5 years Journey. In commemoration of the event,  she further revealed  that they have looked at their journey, picked out the best of their customers and Partners that have helped them through their five-year  trajectory of Success.



 

Chairman of the Programme, Mr. Aruna Dumbuya pointed out in his Public Lecture that the Bank Prioritizes financial literacy in a bid to enhance customers Protection. He affirmed that over the years, the leadership of RCBank have been doing public Lectures at Universities and in Public Places both national and International.

He added that as a bank, they have seen how climate Change and environmental issues are impacting the world,  and they  recently celebrated  their 4th anniversary of tree Planting Project at Petifu Masiaka on 27th July 2023 in a bid to become a green friendly Bank. He added that RCBank Limited is also committed towards protecting and preserving the environment.

The Managing Director Dr.  Ekundayo Gilpin revealed that as a bank they are on a Journey, a path towards digital exploit in Sierra Leone. He admitted that he has been a customer and also experienced financial inclusion in other countries which he believes can be replicated in Sierra Leone. This led to his recognition that there was a gap in digital Banking as far as expectations and deliverables are concerns in in the country. In 2017, he realized that Sierra Leonean bank can take the lead.

”When I came back in 2017, I saw an opportunity to make this happen in Sierra Leone and I believe that despite the presence of Nigerian banks, Sierra Leonean Banks, we can take the lead.  I believe 5 years down the line, I believe we have been able to make big input. We have been able to support financial transactions to vulnerable people, thousands around the world, right now we are working along with the Orange, Africell and other Teleco companies. We are piggy banking on the policies and the variables coming from the regulators. We are strongly part of the National switch and strongly part of the financial Inclusion that is being read out by the central Bank” Dr. Gilpin stated.

Representing the Ministry of Finance, Acting Director of Research and Delivery Division, Alhaji Abu Komeh expressed appreciation to the management of RCbank for giving them the opportunity to deliver a statement on digitalization in financial transactions.

He pointed out that this event marks an important milestone in emphasizing the financial sector role in enabling economic transactions, financial Inclusion, Facilitating trade, creating employment and contributing to inclusive economic growth.

He further admitted that in this age of globalization, rapid expansions on the use of green technology and innovative business approaches, the world has keep on providing digital financial services which is now a game changer in low income countries like Sierra Leone.

He affirmed that beyond, the traditional financial services offered by commercial Banks such as Account opening and credit facilities, digital financial services has become a great way to reach financially excluded communities.
RCBank recently unveiled five new kiosks as part of its Agency Banking Initiative, strategically placed at Mile 91, Rutile , and Lunsar, Kambia and Port Loko as a Key component of the bank’s vision to foster accessibility and streamline financial Processes in Sierra Leone.

As the programme climaxed with the presentation of awards, distinguish customers and Agents Praised the management of RCBank for acknowledging their roles and contributions towards the successful operations of the Bank.



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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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RCBank Sets Record Straight After Video Implicates Bank in Fraud


Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) has refuted a video shared widely on social media implicating the bank in fraud.

According to video, the bank was depicted to be engaged in fraud after one of the speakers in the video said there were missing notes with the bank’s wrappers.

The speaker said the monies were collected from the bank.



But a press release from RCBank refuted the allegation citing that it is a mere ploy to smear the image of the bank and its staff.

“We have carefully analysed the video and it is considered that the contents were not only fictitious but we’re a brazen attempt to discredit the work of our dedicated and highly trained professional cashiers,” the bank’s management said.

They added that the intent of the video is to bring down the reputation of bank’s management by “individuals with ulterior motives”.

This is second time in less than two months such video surfed the web with the first implicating ECOBANK. RCBank said the move on ECOBANK is synonymous to the one targeting their bank.

“Apparently, as if the instructions given in the first instance weren’t clear, they decided to correct their first mistake by recording another video in their determined campaign to drag the good image of the Rokel Commercial Bank into the mud,” they said.

The management of the bank said they will be working with the Sierra Leone Police to investigate the video and bring to book those responsible.

They urge the public to disregard the video while branding it to be “mischievous, corrosive and a faceless attempt” to reduce the bank’s credibility.

Watch the video below:

 



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RCBank Celebrates 4th Anniversary of Its Tree Planting Project


In its strive to become a green friendly Bank, RCBank celebrated its 4th anniversary of their Tree Planting Project at Petifu Kangalop, Masiaka on 27th July, 2023.

RCBank Limited is committed towards protecting and preserving the environment.
The theme for this year’s celebration which attracted hundreds of guests and Community residents is: “Plant more trees, keep your environment pollution-free.”



The Chief Executive Officer /Founder of Shout Climate Change Africa (SCCA) Finnex John Asibor, recognizes RCBank Sierra Leone as one of the corporate institutions that have made conscious efforts to protect the environment.

Speaking on the rationale behind the Tree Planting Project, Managing Director Dr. Ekundayo Gilpin states “Because of the increase human pressure on the natural resources that includes mining, charcoal burning, firewood, illicit logging etc, that are harmful to the environment which leave the country to susceptible drought and excessive heat, I thought of this soundly and contacted my team members to embark on tree planting project that will alleviate the susceptible risk to the environment. We leased the land and partnered with Keeping Hope Alive (KHA) for the cleaning, maintenance, monitoring the health of trees and ensuring a friendly environment and for KHA to also advise us on key matters pertaining to the health and maintenance of the trees.

The tree planting project and arrangements initially started in early weeks of June, 2019 and because of the arrangements to get dignitaries, the first tree planting exercise commenced on the 5th of July 2019 after the clearing, cleaning and erection of our signpost and billboards.

The first tree planting exercise was colorful, memorable and remarkable with the presence of several dignitaries, and today we are thinking of them for their great contribution towards the success of this project, though most people that were present at that time are also here with us. However, there will also come a time when, some other people will remember us for our own contributions”

He further revealed that following the successful launch of the tree planting project in 2019, management discussed and agreed that the second phase should be “stop and plan a tree” that will encourage commuters to alight and walk to the site and plant a seedling, and that was schedule for a week, starting 22nd January 2020 till Friday 25th January, 2020. As this was seen as the first anniversary, the program was also a success to the drive and objectives of the bank.

He added that they have plans to construct a Botanical Garden at the site that will showcase wildlife, rare species and a better knowledge of the world at large. He called on Sierra Leoneans to be united like the Pine Trees in North America. He described the trees to be very tall with roots about 2ft down with interconnected roots underground that make them resistant to wind, storms, flood because they connect orderly. Pine Trees are easily recognized by most people, and very successful in maintaining solid and valuable stands.

Madam Lovetta Yatta Juana representing the Environmental Protection Agency Congratulates RCBank together with keeping Hope Alive for this great initiative. She emphasized the importance of the Tree Planting Project to Climate Change. She confirmed that Sierra Leone is a party to the Paris agreement that requires the members to make efforts to reduce the greenhouse gas in the country.

Representative of all the 14 commercial Bank’s in the country, Madam Shola Taylor Pierce, Congratulates RCBank on behalf of all the13 Managing Directors. She encapsulates that “The Message today is thank RCBank because they have placed a very good seed on the ground. 4 years ago I was here and the tree I planted is now taller than me. The power of a seed is what our MD spoke about – the Pine Tree, tall as it is; its roots never go deep down because the roots are intertwined. Together everyone achieving much and; that is what Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Bank is all about, headed by your very own MD Dr. Walton E. Gilpin”

Mrs. Jajua, Head of RCBank Marketing Unit, thanked the Invitees, security forces, Keeping Hope Alive Community, Residents and Staff of RCBank . She acknowledged that without their efforts the Project will not be successful.

The tree planting project would be a positive way of making the right impact in this area for people living in this community, that will not only benefit the people of this vicinity, but also those that are using this route and those coming to visit the site. The project is also parts of RCBank efforts to protect our planet  and commitment to reduce the Carbon Foot print in the Environment.

 





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