Companies

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.

Hong Kong, southern China’s special administrative region, is counted as one of the world’s foremost financial hubs, ranking high in digital transformation, and is currently rolling out virtual banks, which are keeping traditional banks on their toes. One of the well-established banks in Hong Kong, China CITIC Bank International (CNCBI), has staked claim to being a frontrunner in digitalization and is rapidly expanding its innovation footprint in China’s Greater Bay Area.

Ms. Juliet Morris of International Banker interviews Ms. Nahla Khaddage Bou-Diab, Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of AM Bank on the bank’s approach to customer service, the take-up of digital banking in Lebanon and the “opportunity gap” for women employed in the Middle East banking sector.

Mr. Simon Hughes of International Banker interviews Mr. Ade Adebiyi, CEO and Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Sierra Leone on the bank’s CSR strategy, its corporate and commercial offerings, and the bank’s exceptional performance figures.

The Central American nation of Costa Rica is regarded as economically sound, although rising government debt has raised alarm bells with credit-ratings agencies. Costa Rica’s financial industry is flourishing, and Banco BCT is at the centre of the action. With strong presence in Costa Rica and neighbouring Panama, BCT offers top-notch banking services. In our interview, Mr. Alvaro Saborío, CEO of Grupo Financiero BCT, provided insight into this financial powerhouse’s human-centred strategy.

Today, International Banker is joined by Mr. Olukayode Pitan, managing director and CEO of Bank of Industry, to discuss the financial inclusion in Nigeria, the country’s SME sector and the role that the bank plays in improving the economy of Nigeria. Very good to have you here.