Responding to the devastating fire that ravaged the Female Hostel at the University of Makeni on the evening of April 15, 2024, Rokel Commercial Bank’s Management, led by Dr. Gilpin, has taken swift action to support the affected victims.
Under the guidance of Mr. Abubakarr Bah, Manager of the RCBank Makeni Branch, a team from Rokel Commercial Bank visited the university campus to offer assistance. The bank’s efforts included providing counseling services and immediate relief items such as foodstuff and cleaning supplies.
According to reports received by Rokel Commercial Bank’s PR Unit, the fire caused significant damage to properties within the hostel. However, there have been no reported casualties, offering a glimmer of relief amidst the tragedy.
The proactive response from Rokel Commercial Bank underscores its commitment to the community and its values of support and solidarity during challenging times.
As the affected individuals begin to rebuild their lives, the bank’s support serves as a beacon of hope and assistance in their recovery efforts.
Following his recognition as African Banker of the Year in December last year by the UK based Reputation Poll International, the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank has on Friday, 9th February 2024 called a press conference to reveal a five point manifesto that spells out an ambitious 2024 vision for the bank.
The RCbank manifesto, according to Dr Gilpln would be anchored on the digitalization programme which has been the hallmark of the bank’s repositioning and rapid transformation over the years.
The five key priority areas brilliantly by the Managing Director include a Cashless Ecosystem, Banking Process Automation, Cybersecurity Ressilience, Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence. The Managing Director however maintained that, rolling out such an ambitious project require a lot of expertise. To this end, he reassured pressmen that the bank would be providing capacity building programmes for its current crop of personnel as he urged young Sierra Leoneans to pursue professional disciplines that are available in today’s market.
Gilpin also believe that a robust and resilient financial system will help change negative perceptions about Sierra Leone, adding that the Rokel Commercial Bank is rightfully earning its position as a local bank with a global reach. The bank, he said has developed products that can allow customers access financial services from any part of the globe.
He also informed the media that the bank will be hosting a seminar on cybersecurity later this month and this will include experts from the UK who will help enrich the knowledge base of Sierra Leoneans on the subject. “Cybersecurity has become a global concern and it is important that we put more premium on it to protect our financial system” he averred.
Dr Walton Gilpin concluded by assuring journalists that the bank remains committed to its corporate social responsibility programmes in education, sports, the environment and other areas of philanthropy.
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.
In this year’s Diaspora FOCUS dinner and award night hosted at the prestigious Bintimani Hotel on the 19th December 2023, the leaders of the organization recognized institutions, other sectors and key personalities who are working tirelessly with unwavering commitment and are contributing positively to the development and growth of Sierra Leone as a nation.
The DiasporaFOCUS award is a National Annual Award conducted at the end of every year through a rigorous and transparent process to applaud and encourage individuals, institutions and other sectors to do more in their areas of specialization. The decision to be nominated as an awardee is certified by the committee of ethics and standardization of the organization to enhance equity and reduce familiarity threat.
On the 12th edition of the DiasporaFOCUS National Development Awards Night, the Managing Director & CEO Dr. Walton E. Gilpin and three staff garnered five awards including the Bank of the Year award 2023.
The eligible awardees were: 1. Dr. Ekundayo W. Gilpin – Managing Director of the Year 2. Mrs. Mariama Jajua – Exceptional Award for Community Development 3. Mr. Lithin Nasani – I.T GURU of the Year 4. Mr. Aruna Dumbuya – Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Year
The Bank of the year award emanated not only from the ethics and standardization committee but also from the decisive reached of the legitimate vote casted from the general public.
The prestigious honor awarded by DiasporaFOCUS is a reflection of the Bank’s outstanding reputation and its consistent efforts in providing outstanding banking services to its customers. With a strong focus on customer centricity and innovation, Rokel Commercial Bank has emerged as a trusted name in the financial space.
As one of Sierra Leone’s top financial institutions, Rokel Commercial Bank has played a essential role in driving economic growth and development in the country.
This accolade serves as a testament to Rokel Commercial Bank’s untiring commitment to excellence and its significant contributions to the financial sector. Dr. Gilpin and awarded staff dedicated their awards to the bank and applaud staff of the RCBank for their various contributions and support that led them to be nominated by DiasporaFOCUS in the 12th Edition of the 2023 dinner and awards ceremony.
In Dr. Gilpin’s short statement of appreciation, he referenced the vision of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Rtd. Brig. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Board, Management and Staff of Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) and thanked Dr. Emmanuel J.M Stafford and the leadership Team of DiasporaFOCUS for their continued quest to distinguish hard working Sierra Leoneans and other National working in the country. RCBank – The Bank of Choice!!!
As we come to the end of another eventful year, we will first celebrate Christmas to remember the birth of our lord and savior, Jesus’s Christ and then the ushering in of a brand new year.
For Christians around the world, Christmas is a reinforcement of our faith through the birth of Jesus Christ and a time for joyful celebration for unto us, a king was born, it has remained one of the most significant events in the Christian Calendar. For non-Christians, Christmas is a celebration of love, kindness and sharing.
As we say thanks for your remarkable support this year, we remain committed to our core values of maintaining lasting and satisfying relationships with our customers, employees, shareholders and the communities we operate.
By touching the lives of people in these communities, we can make them feel more inclined to do account openings and carry out other financial transactions through the bank. They can also see the bank as a partner in development and business. As we thrust forward with increased profit and pay dividend to our shareholders, we improve our services to lead the banking sector and become a key player in the financial sector.
Some of our impressive highlights this year were the invitation to participate in important international events such as Intra Africa Trade Fair in Cairo, Egypt. The Trade Fair, one of the biggest in the world is a potential gateway for trade liberalization in the continent. In these events, RCBank leveraged on new and existing trade relations and networking opportunities for increased brand building.
With immense pride, we celebrate our astute Managing Director Dr. Ekundayo W. Gilpin (COOR) who is recognized with the prestigious award of “African Banker of the Year” by the UK based Reputation Poll International in December, 2023. Our support towards environmental protection has also not gone unnoticed with two prestigious awards from Shout Climate Change and we are the cover story in the UK Based Diaspora Focus Magazine 2023.
We have become significantly modernized and highly and highly securitized to make your banking the most pleasant experience. Today, our customers have the feel-good factor of sitting in the comfort of their homes to carry out banking transactions of all kinds. All this is made possible through the support you have given us since we launched an ambitious program to transform Rokel Commercial Bank from a loss making to a profit making as well as forward looking institution. Yes, our appetite to expand is insatiable! We have opened new branches, launched state of the art electronic banking products and services.
In this Christmas and the coming new year, we wish you more happiness and prosperity as we work together to remain your dependable bank, your own Kombra Bank of Choice!!!
Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, has been honored as the African Banker of the Year at the Global Reputational & Fintech Award ceremony hosted by Reputation Poll International at London’s Marriott County Hall.
The Global Reputational Forum & Fintech and Award ceremony was hosted by Reputation Poll International on the 8th & 9th December, 2023 at the Marriott County Hall in London.
The event was staged to acknowledge rapid expansion, integration, accelerated growth, and reforms of Africa’s banking and financial sector. The event honored and celebrated outstanding Banks and Fintech Institutions that are moving Africa’s rapidly transforming the financial sector.
The first day of the event took the form of a symposium that featured four groups discussing different walks of life. Dr. Gilpin happened to be part of the banking sector group to discuss the digital transformation in the banking sector of Sierra Leone and Africa at large.
Key members of his team were adroit panelists like:
Peter Kolade Fashesin-Souza from Bank of England
Dr. Graham Bright from Euro Exim Bank
Mr. Olufemi Bakre from Paralex Bank Nigeria, and
Dr. Tony Ojobo – The lead panelist – President of the African ICT Foundation
Dr. Gilpin served as a moderator on the second day of the event that featured speeches and fire side chats with panelists like: 1. Her Excellency Atifete Jahjaga – First female president of Kosovo (2011-2016) 2. Dr. Yvonne Thompson – Founder WINTRADE GLOBAL 3. Dr. Rex Idaminabo – FRSA 4. Olori Atuwatse III – Queen of Warri Kingdom, Nigeria 5. Prof. Mthulincube – Ministry of Finance & Inv, Zimbabwe 6. Peter K. Fashesin-Souza – Head of IT, Security & Risk, Bank of England (HSBC) 7. Festus Akinbusoye – Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
Dr Walton E. Gilpin impressed the high-level panelists of finance, economic experts and leaders on the 8th & 9th of December, 2023 deliberating on the operations of traditional banks in Africa and how they are embracing technology for enhanced customer experiences and operational efficiency.
Dr. Gilpin emerging as “African Banker of The Year” is a testament of the cutting edge strategies in the technological and innovative drive of RCBank to place itself among key players in the African Continental Innovation Drive.
The prodigious fulfillment of the Sierra Leone banking industry by the astute MD will always leave an indelible blueprint for many banking and other financial practitioners.
The Managing Director who is renowned for his flawless oratory and excellent skills of the financial industry explained effortlessly the intricacies and opportunities digitalization has brought to the continent’s banking industry, making reference to Rokel Commercial Bank which he said has diligently navigated through a tumultuous transition to become a leader in innovative digital banking in Sierra Leone.
Underscoring the challenges faced by banks especially in terms of their desire to serve the whole country versus the realities of coping with infrastructural shortfalls like insufficient mobile connectivity, the MD said banks would normally have to collaborate with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to ensure customers have access to financial services wherever possible. To this end and considering the fact that Sierra Leone is a cash based economy, RCBank has adopted several innovative ways to ensure customers access their services in almost every part of the country.
This type of plenary session is the dream of great bankers and financial practitioners who may want to develop their up-skills and want to be part of a team of highbrows. RCBank – The Bank of Choice!!!
Dr. Gilpin, the astute Managing Director & CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank, has been nominated as one of the Top five (5) Financial Leaders in Sierra Leone. He is set to represent the country at the prestigious Global Reputational Forum & Reputation Fintech Awards hosted by Reputation Poll International on December 8th & 9th, 2023, at the Marriott County Hall in London. Additionally, he’ll serve as a speaker at this esteemed event.
Reputation Poll International Limited, renowned for listing the world’s 100 most reputable individuals and bank CEOs, is organizing this event in collaboration with WINTRADE and Go Global Trade, chaired by Lord J.D Waverley. The 2023 Global Reputation Forum aims to recognize the remarkable growth, integration, and reforms within Africa’s banking and financial sector.
The event is designed to acknowledge rapid expansion, integration, accelerated growth, and reforms of Africa’s banking and financial sector. The event will honor and celebrate outstanding Banks and Fintech Institutions that are moving Africa’s rapidly transforming finance sector. Expectations: 1. The forum is expected to bring together Executives from leading banks (Bank of England, HSVC, Europe Exim Bank ect) investors, Chairs, Technology and Innovation Top Executives. 2. Exclusive meeting with The Parliamentary Co-Chair of the U.K Trade and Investment including other Executive VIP Delegates.
The 2023 Global Reputation Summit will also feature a broad range of discussions and debates by top facilitators from Africa and Europe bringing theoretical & practical experiences to guide on how various sectors can work together to build credible reputation, branding strategies for accelerated growth; providing Banks, Fintechs, Global brands, individuals and organizations with the awesome opportunity to learn winning branding strategies that will help to build their reputation and maintain dominance in their markets.
These accolades reflect Rokel Commercial Bank’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge strategies in technology and innovation, positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s innovative landscape.
Rokel Commercial Bank, the people’s choice, extends a warm welcome to the month of December. We would like to wish all our valued customers a very happy new month. As this month begins with a Friday, we also want to take this opportunity to wish you all a delightful weekend ahead.
As we approach another festive season, Rokel Commercial Bank is excited to be part of your celebrations. We understand that this time of the year is filled with joy and excitement, and we are here to support you in making your dreams come true.
At Rokel Commercial Bank, we strive to provide exceptional banking services that cater to your unique needs. Whether it’s managing your finances, saving for the future, or planning for special occasions, our dedicated team is ready to assist you every step of the way.
As the year comes to an end, we encourage you to reflect on your achievements and set new goals for the upcoming year. Rokel Commercial Bank is committed to helping you achieve financial success and providing innovative solutions that empower you to reach your aspirations.
We value your trust and loyalty as our esteemed customers. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we continuously work towards enhancing our services and offerings. As always, we welcome any feedback or suggestions you may have as it helps us improve and serve you better.
This December, let Rokel Commercial Bank be your financial partner in making memories that will last a lifetime. We are here for all your banking needs and looking forward to serving you with excellence throughout this festive season.
On behalf of Rokel Commercial Bank, we would like to extend our warmest wishes to you as we enter into a new month and looking forward to celebrate the holidays with you, family members and friends. We hope that this message finds you in good health and high spirits.
Rokel Commercial Bank and its Managing Director were honored with prestigious environmental awards by Shout Climate Change Africa on November 24, 2023.
The bank received the title of Environmental Excellent Bank of the Year, while the Managing Director was named Climate Champion CEO of the Year 2023.
The bank, known for its exceptional banking services and dedication to corporate social responsibility, was honored with this prestigious Excellence Bank of the Year award.
This recognition is a testament to Rokel Commercial Bank’s unwavering efforts in integrating sustainable practices into its operations. From implementing energy-efficient technologies to promoting responsible lending practices, the bank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
The esteemed title to the MD & CEO highlights the exceptional leadership skills and visionary approach of the Managing Director in driving sustainable initiatives within the organization.
Under the Bank’s guidance, Rokel Commercial Bank has implemented various innovative strategies to mitigate climate change risks and promote environmentally friendly practices. These include tree planting site, investing in renewable energy projects, supporting green businesses through tailored financial solutions, and actively engaging with stakeholders to raise awareness about environmental issues.
The Climate Champion CEO of the Year award not only recognizes the individual achievements of the Managing Director but also acknowledges Rokel Commercial Bank’s overall commitment to sustainability under the Bank’s leadership. It serves as a testament to the Bank’s dedication towards creating a greener future for Sierra Leone’s banking industry.
By receiving these prestigious awards, RCBank and its Managing Director have set an inspiring example for other financial institutions and business leaders across Sierra Leone. These successes demonstrate that it is possible for banks and other financial institutions to prioritize environmental care while maintaining excellence in their core services.
Moving forward, Rokel Commercial Bank remains committed to upholding its reputation as an environmentally conscious institution. The bank will continue to work towards implementing sustainable practices throughout its operations and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among its stakeholders.
Through this initiative and other sustainable practices; the bank continues to maintain its tree planting site at the rural district of Sierra Leone and also embarks on raising awareness, empowering local communities, and inspiring collective action towards building a greener future for generations to come. RCBank – The Bank of Choice!!!
Rokel Commercial Bank, a leading financial institution in Sierra Leone, has been selected among prominent banks in Africa to participate in the intra-Africa Trade Fair in Egypt. With a comprehensive range of services, including personal and business banking, international banking, and electronic banking, the bank’s involvement underscores its commitment to fostering trade and investment within Africa.
As the renewable energy equipment market in Egypt reaches billions of dollars, Rokel Commercial Bank’s participation aligns with Egypt’s Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy, aiming for a 42 percent share of renewable energy by 2035. By showcasing at the trade fair, the bank not only promotes its brand but also advocates for increased intra-Africa trade, encouraging economic cooperation and integration.
Furthermore, Rokel Commercial Bank actively supports initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), using the trade fair as a platform to discuss and enhance trade facilitation. The presence of high-level representatives emphasizes the bank’s dedication to fostering business opportunities and partnerships across the continent.
Participating in the event with over one thousand six hundred exhibitors from seventy countries, Rokel Commercial Bank seeks potential collaborations and network expansion. By aligning with the African Union’s vision for economic integration and the 2063 Africa Union Finance Charter, the bank reaffirms its commitment to contributing to Africa’s overall economic growth and development.
In essence, Rokel Commercial Bank’s presence at the intra-Africa Trade Fair underscores its active role in promoting economic cooperation, regional integration, and intra-African trade. Through participation, the bank aims to foster business opportunities, expand its network, and contribute to the growth and development of the African continent.
