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| National Bank (Photo by Erasmus Williams) |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 15TH 2005 (CUOPM) The St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank has been highlighting some of its achievements in 2004.
National Bank said the its asset growth to just over EC$1.3 billion in 2004 was one of several accomplishments in the year under review.
Chairperson, Mrs. Rublin Audain said the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank was listed on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) on November 13, 2003.
The establishment of the ECSE is a significant initiative for the sub-region and we are proud to have been given the authority by you, our shareholders, to participate and to play a part in strengthening the Capital Market in the sub-region, said Mrs. Audain, who added that this undertaking establishes an avenue to broaden our shareholder base, provides opportunities to raise capital, present shareholders with a market to value and exchange shares as well as buttress our position in the international banking system.
She said the dynamic banking industry is undergoing dynamic changes in response to investor expectations, intense competition, operational and corporate risks and challenges associated with economic globalization and trade liberalization.
Further changes in domestic and international polices and reporting standards are evolving, with new recommendations for the continual reassessment and remodeling of the global banking system. In response the Bank is continually upgrading its technology, systems and human resource capacity and capability to successfully meet the demands of international banking standards, said Audain.
Managing Director, Mr. Edmund Lawrence said National Bank increased its range of services by offering Online Banking to customers in the domestic and foreign markets.
Continued investment to improve staff competencies and technological capabilities will enable the Company to achieve progressively deeper market penetration with accompanying increases in proficiency and profitability, said Lawrence.
He noted that National Bank entered into a joint venture agreement with Bank of Nevis to facilitate bilateral sharing of Nationals Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). The agreement provides for customers of both National Bank and Bank of Nevis to access a network of 17 ATMs.
According to Mr. Lawrence, National Bank is constantly upgrading the existing technical and technological infrastructure as it seeks innovative ways to deliver excellent service to satisfy customer needs and improve operations.
