-
Share This:
-
Rate this article:
Weather
Partly Cloudy
Max: 85°F | Min: 75°F
| FirstCaribbean opens ‘cutting edge’ branch |
Scieska Adderley
Guardian Business Reporter scieska@nasguard.com
Published: Aug 03, 2012
A major banking institution has expanded its reach, as it opened a new location in the heart of one of New Providence’s fastest growing areas. “The importance of the Carmichael Road area to The Bahamas made it an easy decision for us to develop this facility, when we were planning where in The Bahamas we should roll out this new branch banking model,” according to Marie Rodland-Allen, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank’s managing director. Rodland-Allen revealed to Guardian Business that the bank has had its eye on that area for quite some time. She noted that the bank’s newest location is catered to its retail and small business clients. “Opening this branch is a testament to our belief that Carmichael is probably the fastest growing community on any of our islands,” Rodland-Allen shared. “The bank’s strength and ability to access knowledge, experience, and new products and services, are some of the factors that are already propelling us to the forefront of the financial services industry.” The new state-of-the art banking facility took five months to complete, and will have 18 employees stationed there. “It’s really cutting edge. There’s no other banking hall that can compare. This is very modern and contemporary. We think it meets the needs of the customer. It’s very technologically advanced. We invested the money and even in these tough, economic times, we did that because we really wanted to ensure that we provide our customers with the best customer service possible,” Rodland-Allen said. Prime Minister Perry Christie applauded its efforts to remain on the cutting-edge of banking technology, as he delivered the keynote address at yesterday’s official opening. Overall, Rodland-Allen said business at CIBC FirstCaribbean has been doing well. While there are no immediate plans to open up another location anytime soon, she said it’s an option her team is not ruling out. “We are always looking; it depends on growth. It takes a very long time. We would love to, but we are looking at the bank’s strategy. In addition to the Carmichael Road location, we are looking to upgrade our other locations,” she assured. In The Bahamas, CIBC FirstCaribbean has 665 employees in 13 branches on the islands of Nassau, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera and Abaco. Added to that, there are also satellite branches on Green Turtle Cay, Man-o-War Cay and Hope Town. It was in 2006 when CIBC acquired a majority shareholding of FirstCaribbean. |
|
|
