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14th July 2012
CIBC FirstCaribbean formally opens State-of-the-art Wealth Management Centre & RBM branch

Sunday July 8th marked the formal opening of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s cutting edge new banking hall – CIBC FirstCaribbean Mardini.

The new branch, which ushers in a new service model for the bank, is characterized by ticketed queuing to group customers according to the services they require, queue-less services delivery with ultra comfortable seating; touch screen tablets for accessing the bank’s internet banking portal; multiple instant tellers for making deposits and transfers and a priority access queue for over-the-counter transactions. Ultra modern private meeting spaces for wealth management counselling, is yet another differentiating feature of the branch.

The official opening was attended by a number of distinguished guests representing the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union and Government of St. Lucia, namely Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony; Sir Dwight Venner - Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank; the Honourable Emma Hippolyte, Parliamentary Representative for Gros Islet and Minister for Investment, Commerce, Business Development and Consumer Affairs and Hon. Stephenson King representing the Political Opposition in the House of Assembly. Also attending were members of the Diplomatic Corps, a number of Corporate and Small Business Clients, Personal Banking customers of the bank and service providers who were involved in the design and commissioning of the new branch.

CIBC FirstCaribbean Managing Director of Retail Banking and Small Business, Mr. Rolf Phillips, joined the Saint Lucia Country Manager Mrs. Mauricia Thomas-Francis at the official opening of what he described as CIBC FirstCaribbean’s flagship branch in St. Lucia, which reinforces the Bank’s leadership in modern and contemporary banking in the Caribbean.

“I say “reinforce” because, from our very first day of operation nearly ten years ago, we set out to establish ourselves as a leader in the financial services sector in the Caribbean – and set new standards for the provision of financial services to our clients. And we have largely achieved that goal, setting new standards in the provision of electronic banking services such as internet and mobile banking.”

Mr. Phillips said that the decision to roll out this new branch banking model in Rodney Bay was informed by the Bank’s awareness of the importance of the area in terms of development and investment.

“This new experience in banking keeps pace with the technological environment, changing customer tastes, habits and expectations of their service providers. Technology is synonymous with innovation and in an interesting way, so is investment. Thus we have made an investment in a cutting-edge facility that charts the way in banking innovation.”

In her opening remarks, Mauricia Thomas-Francis highlighted what it takes to be successful during difficult economic times, stating that, “It is a difficult environment in which to be dynamic, to step out with boldness, to set a new trend that laughs in the face of unyielding recession. But that same experience has schooled me in the knowledge that success is made of sterner stuff, and that all successful outcomes begin with visionary leadership, innovation in strategy and the flexibility to modify when the wind changes. Through its investments, CIBC FirstCaribbean has signalled its intention to be a leader in the provision of financial services in the Caribbean.”

Mrs. Francis highlighted the bank’s focus on Wealth Management services as one of the engines of growth and competitive differentiation in the provision of special services to clients, noting “The CIBC FirstCaribbean Mardini branch is an ultra-modern facility that makes it easier for our clients to do business with us. Under one roof we house the best that any financial services company has to offer anywhere in our region, and we daresay that our facilities here can rival those to be found any anywhere in the world.”
 
 

Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony, in his address highlighted the way forward for the banking sector urging commercial banks to support initiatives that catalyse activity in the economy by making borrowing more affordable, specifically through encouraging investment in construction related enterprises. Dr. Anthony also stressed the expansion of banking services such as ATM machines into smaller but growing economic centres, namely the Anse la Raye, Dennery and Micoud communities.

“It is vital that there is equity in our efforts to develop our island and that no community is made to feel remote, neglected and abandoned.” With regards to business competitiveness, Dr. Anthony suggested that with the assistance of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, “strides must be made to reduce the costs of inter-bank transactions and encourage the growth of E-Commerce offerings, so as to expand the reach of our local companies and entrepreneurs, particularly those beyond our shores.”

Highlighting the facilities and unique services offered by the Rodney Bay Branch, Dr. Anthony concluded by stating, “I applaud the bank for being willing to invest in better customer care and services: from your new branch model, which places an emphasis on automated service and comfort in banking, to your careful consideration in ensuring that your services are sensitive to the needs of persons with disabilities. This world class facility will enhance the value of Rodney Bay as an investment area. No doubt this augurs well for investment prospects both in the private and national context.”

In his address to the gathering the Sir Dwight Venner gave a critical review of the global financial sector in the recent past, noting that this period is an “existential moment” for the sector globally, and one in which lessons can be learnt for more effective oversight and regulation.

The ceremony culminated in an official ribbon cutting by the ECCB Governor and the Prime Minister, followed by group tours of the facility and a cocktail reception. CIBC FirstCaribbean Mardini, is the third such ultra-modern facility rolled out by the Bank within the Caribbean to date, and follows others in the Bahamas and Barbados. CIBC FirstCaribbean also recently opened a new office in Trinidad, catering specifically to its Wealth Management customers.

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