For its dynamic ability to deliver returns, gain strategic advantage and serve the Bahamian market, CIBC FirstCaribbean has - for the tenth time - won Bank of the Year for The Bahamas.
The prestigious award was granted by renowned global finance magazine The Banker, which is a part of the Financial Times Group publishing house.
The Banker recognises the best banks in a range of categories. Its research staff compiles a list of major banks in countries across the globe and invites them to participate in the awards. Each bank is required to submit an entry form containing up-to-date financial figures and to answer, in detail, questions about performance technology, innovation and marketing initiatives.
Mrs. Colette Delaney, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s CEO, said, “The Bank of the Year award is an international acknowledgement which highlights achievements in areas critical to success in the banking industry.
“I cannot thank the CIBC FirstCaribbean Bahamas team enough for their hard work and dedication. This is what happens when we work together for the benefit of our clients and stay true to the values of the organization- trust, teamwork, and accountability.”
She continued: “CIBC FirstCaribbean is undoubtedly a strong example of best practice implementation that, in turn, has significant impact on business results and the banking industry overall. This year, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to demonstrating the many benefits we offer, increasing our innovation, and using technology for advancement.”
The Banker stresses that good figures are essential, but not enough. The selection committee also looks for evidence of banks raising the bar for their local industries in the past twelve months, whether by using new technology or coming up with innovative, cost-efficient ways of expanding their businesses.
“A solid capital base put CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Bahamian operations in a good position as customers began requesting financial assistance when COVID-19 hit the country. All segments of the bank were involved in these efforts, from retail to corporate banking and wealth management. They resulted in deferred payments, emergency loans and concessions to help individuals and businesses cushion the financial impact of the pandemic on households and the economy,” The Banker said in its announcement release.
Among other accomplishments, CIBC FirstCaribbean introduced 1st pay, the bank’s free person-to-person funds transfer service, using either an e-mail address or mobile number. The fast and safe design has redefined clients’ payment experience. The Bank’s internet banking service was also upgraded to significantly improve the user experience for clients in the Corporate, Business Banking and International Corporate sectors.
Mrs. Gezel Farrington, CIBC First Caribbean’s Director of Retail Banking Channels said, “The best bank award is a celebration of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s daily illustration of its strategic priorities: focus on our clients, building on our technology base to create a regionally leading digital experience for our clients, simplifying the way we do business, and investing in our people.”
Mr. Kemar Polius, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking added: “The delivery of Corporate Online demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to provide our clients with a modern digital banking experience, allowing them to manage their liquidity and payments easily and efficiently. Our recognition by The Banker is a testament to this commitment, and we look forward to continuing, and advancing, all that is being done to keep CIBC FirstCaribbean as the first choice for financial services.”
CIBC FirstCaribbean also won Bank of the Year for The Bahamas in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
tenth time – Bank of the Year for The Bahamas.
About CIBC FirstCaribbean
CIBC FirstCaribbean is a relationship bank offering a full range of market leading financial services through our Corporate and Investment Banking, Retail and Business Banking and Wealth Management segments. We are located in sixteen (16) countries around the Caribbean, providing the banking services that fit our customers’ lives through approximately 3,000 employees in 68 branches and offices. We are one of the largest regionally listed financial services institutions in the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean, with over US$11 billion in assets and market capitalization of US $2 billion. We also have an office in Hong Kong. The face of banking is changing throughout the world and CIBC FirstCaribbean intends to lead these changes with the expertise, integrity and knowledge gained from banking in the Caribbean since 1836.
CIBC FirstCaribbean is a member of the CIBC Group. CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with 11 million personal banking and business clients. Through our three major business units - Retail and Business Banking, Wealth Management and Capital Markets - CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada with offices in the United States and around the world.
