First Capital Bank Botswana Limited: Best Commercial Bank Growth Botswana 2020

First Capital Bank Botswana embarked on a transformational journey more than five years ago, fuelling growth aspirations by investing in people and technology. Its purpose-led strategy called for the implementation of a core banking system and a shake-up of their operating model. First Capital introduced a recruitment scheme to attract graduates, and head-hunted top talent. Key personnel, including CEO Jaco Viljoen, were welcomed to the team and the workforce doubled over the past five years. The bank, founded in 2008, has grown from a relatively unknown financial institution into an instantly recognised brand trusted to deliver on its promises. It has developed a range of corporate, commercial and retail banking services to meet the needs of any client. First Capital Bank Botswana has identified the SME sector as a factor for the growth of the bank – and the overall economy. Large international banks often rely on external committees when deciding on credit applications, but First Capital prefers a more personal approach: its local board fulfils that function. It invests time to get to know its customers and to develop a deep understanding of business opportunities. The bank has seen the benefits of its efforts reflected in its balance sheet, and it has a loan book with risk at well-below market average. It recently launched an asset-based finance and payroll lending service and offered clients new forex solutions. As momentum has gathered, the bank enjoys an increasingly confident position in the market. The CFI.co judging panel took note of these well thought-out expansion strategies, and declares First Capital Bank Botswana Ltd as the 2020 winner of the award for Best Commercial Bank Growth (Botswana).