Companies

The Great Recession forced big international banks to re-evaluate risks and “de-risk” some overseas operations, guided by an augmented focus on AML and CFT compliance. Unfortunately for Caribbean banks, de-risking for the North American majors translated into trimming ties with them. Changing the perception that they are “risky” has not been easy for Caribbean bankers, but through resolute, concerted effort, the risk profile of the Caribbean banking industry is improving.

Even the most conventional banks are introducing digital solutions—but few can claim to be completely digital. Poland’s mBank is not only a pioneer in digital banking but digital through and through, committed to offering the cutting-edge products and services that clients need and want via the mobile and online channels that are most convenient for them. In our interview, CEO Cezary Stypułkowski describes mBank’s intentions to innovate even more.

Serbia has endured mixed political and economic conditions but today is enjoying a period of economic growth. One of its top banks, AIK Banka, is well positioned to take advantage of this favourable climate, having determined to serve its clients in the most innovative ways possible while maintaining its long-standing reputation for stability and integrity. CEO Jelena Galić recently updated us on AIK Banka’s progress in fulfilling its client-satisfaction drive.

For nearly 150 years, Belgium’s family-owned Degroof Petercam has held fast to its goal of actively taking care of its clients’ wealth and assets. For this progressive bank, “imagining tomorrow” is synonymous with creating an all-inclusive society in which everyone has a chance to thrive. In our interview, CEO Bruno Colmant and Group Head of Investment Banking François Wohrer describe how Degroof Petercam is transforming clients’ futures for the better.

The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic newly industrialized countries, and its banking sector continues to evolve within it. Robinsons Bank is one Philippine bank that is not content to stand still but has initiated a strategy for growth that is guaranteed to propel it to new frontiers. As RBank’s Roadmap 2020 transitions into Roadmap 2024, one can expect more milestones to be achieved by this forward-looking, enterprising bank.

Mr. Simon Hughes of International Banker travels to Belgium to interview Mr. Johan Thijs, Chief Executive Officer, KBC Group, on the bank’s ongoing digital transformation, the innovation that drives that transformation and KBC’s wider role in society.

The Philippines, among Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies, is experiencing a growth spurt, and its top bank, BDO Unibank, is prepared to take full advantage. Guided by its core values, which include being committed to delivering “products and services that surpass customer expectations” and “the process of continuous improvement in everything we do”, BDO is on course to meet its targets of profit and growth, according to President and CEO Nestor Tan.

The financial industry of Sri Lanka, South Asia’s island republic, has withstood its share of turbulence. Standing out is Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, led by its vision to be the “most technologically advanced, innovative and customer friendly financial-services organisation in Sri Lanka, poised for further expansion in South Asia”. In our interview with him, CEO and Managing Director S. Renganathan describes how the bank is escalating its positive impact.

The current decade has not been kind to Greece’s financial sector, which has been beset by one crisis after another. And yet, from the rubble, a fully digital bank has arisen, the first in the country. In our interview, Praxia bank’s CEO Anastasia Sakellariou describes what it is like to create a bank with a vision to meet its customers’ needs solely through digital channels while remaining completely human.

Thailand’s sluggish economic growth has raised alarm bells recently, but its banking sector continues to push forward. Krungsri, one of the country’s top five banks, is guided by its mission to responsibly meet the needs of its customers and serve society through sustainable growth. In our interview, Mr. Pornsanong Tuchinda, head of commercial banking, discusses how by combining customer centricity with digital technology, the bank is achieving its goals.