Don’t let recent worldwide economic difficulty blind you to the banking institutions that operate with transparency and integrity at the core of all their activities. BancABC is proud to be one such organisation and we speak to Group Chief Operations Officer, Francis Dzanya, to find out more.

WRITTEN BY MARY PARKER

BANKING WITH A DIFFERENCE

www.littlegatepublishing.com

BANCABC 0027 11 722 5300

WWW.BANCABC.COM

BANCABC

With a keen eye for diversification, the financial services on offer are vast, ranging from personal and corporate banking, through to asset management, stockbroking and

treasury assistance. What’s even more impressive than the range of products and assistance on offer, however, is the underlying ethos of the company, as Francis Dzanya explained,

“All of our operations and staff are guided by the values that underpin the organisation as a whole; passion, integrity, people innovation and professionalism.”

Given that the ultimate aim of BancABC is to be the premier banking institution within Africa, these values are as vital as the industry leading range of services on offer and will naturally lead to sustained profitability and lifelong customers.

Founded in 1956, BancABC is looking forward to celebrating 60 years of success within the competitive financial services industry; an impressive feat for what was originally a merchant bank, which has now been listed on not only the Botswana Stock Exchange, but also the Zimbabwe equivalent. Having formed as a result of numerous high profile mergers and acquisitions between existing South African banking companies, BancABC was born into greatness, with an enviable geographical reach, impressive customer base and extensive knowledge of the areas ripe for diversification. Francis noted that,

“BancABC has operations in Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe and a group services office in Johannesburg

South Africa. Known previously as African Banking Corporation, we rebranded to BancABC in April 2009, in line with our expansion into retail banking.”

Conducting a seamless rebranding, in what can only be described as a perpetually tumultuous industry, demonstrates the faith that customers already had in the organisation thanks to offering a vast array of services and a continuous ‘customer first’ approach.

“We offer a comprehensive range of banking services and products throughout the region in which we operate, which include Corporate Banking, Retail and SME Banking, Consumer Lending, Treasury services, Leasing, Asset Management, Advisory Services, Stock Broking and Wealth Management. The Group expanded into retail banking during 2009, which has since grown and is poised to play a major role in the business going forward. As of 31 December 2011, the Group operated forty-nine branches across the five markets.”

There is no denying that this expansive and organic growth is an impressive move forward for what was a merchant banking institution but what can be attributed as the real driving force behind this much lauded success? Clearly, the geographical reach enjoyed by the company has a large role to play, but there must be something else,

“BancABC is not a silver bullet, but has key competitive strengths upon which it has developed a winning strategy. Firstly,

BANCABC

The BancABC brand has become synonymous with quality and honesty, thanks to every branch operating in accordance with the stringent standards and best practice codes laid down by parent company, ABC Holdings.

BANCABC

BancABC has established a solid regional banking platform and has become a geographically diversified business with established customer relationships across all economic sectors.”

So there is the fortunate reach, but Francis went on to divulge more,

“Secondly, BancABC is proud to be a local institution with a deep understanding of the local culture, people and economies in southern Africa and offers best in class services to its customers. In a time when many clients aim to invest in the region, BancABC local knowledge is a valuable asset.”

So unbeatable customer service and staggering local investment knowledge also plays a part, so what is the final piece of the success puzzle?

“Thirdly, BancABC has focused on developing its strong shareholder commitment and market recognition. Currently, the main shareholders are African Development Corporation (“ADC”), an international emerging market investor, Old Mutual, IFC, Botswana Insurance Fund Management (“BIFM”) and in addition, our own management.”

Essentially, Francis has acquiesced that the secret to success is good planning, customer service and a commitment to the

profitability of the company. It’s not a groundbreaking scoop, but it is a key indicator that BancABC are more than a flash in the pan, they are here for the long haul and are more than happy to put in the effort to stay ahead of competitors at every turn.

Maintaining that impressive customer base cannot be an easy task and yet BancABC make it look, well, as easy as learning you’re A, B, Cs. Francis revealed that,

“As of 31 December 2011, we have 108,000 retail customers across all of our banking subsidiaries.”

As one of the premier financial institutions in the country, BancABC has set itself apart thanks to that extensive geological reach that we have alluded to before. By remaining able to welcome new customers who previously may have been overlooked by catchment areas, such as those involved with regional trade and cross-border operations, the company has organically developed into one of the premier organisations in the region.

So what does the future hold for BancABC? Dramatic growth plans? Increased market share? Well, yes actually. The initial focus will be completing the retail-banking roll out by July 2015, with a total of 55 operational branches open for business. The next phase will see BancABC increasing its market share from 5

BANCABC

to 10% in every market that they operate. Let’s take a minute to appreciate the gravitas of that aim. They want to DOUBLE their market share in every arena. Sounds unlikely? Think again, as this objective has already been met in Zimbabwe, with Botswana likely to follow soon. The final part of the 2015 business expansion plan looks at increasing the overall footprint of the company, within East and Southern Africa, though this phase will remain dependent on available investment funding and viable opportunities within local markets.

There can be no doubt that the management team, in place at BancABC, are excited about these planned innovations, but is these enough capital to ensure that they will be fulfilled? Francis explains,

“BancABC has developed a fastrack growth plan and as such is facing difficulties, mainly related to capital funding to support the current growth trajectory. Management has taken steps towards addressing this challenge, including the recent and successfully concluded rights issue. A related challenge is the liquidity to fund the business expansion. Management is busy arranging lines of credit at the centre and subsidiary level.”

There is no question that a company as successful as BancABC,

Savanna Insurance Brokers LTD

Plot 4991, Nsunzu Road, Lusaka, ZambiaTelephone: 260 211 257286 / 92Fax: 260 211 257289 / 93E-mail: savanna@iconnect.zm / savanna@zamtel.zmWebsite: www.savannazambia.com

Always thinking ahead

Offering Unique Risk Solutionsto only privileged clients

which is looking ahead to its 60th anniversary celebrations, would continue on a path that would prove financially unviable, especially considering the substantial workforce that is in place.

“Our staff numbers have increased from 668 to 1,008 and continue to grow, mainly to support the retail roll-out. We have strong values which are: Passion, Professionalism, People, Innovation and Integrity and we invested heavily in training and incentives to ensure that these are always at the forefront of our personnel’s minds.”

And of course it goes without saying that management team members are also held accountable to the same standards and values as their colleagues,

“We ensure that our management attend the partnership programmes we have with Gibs school in SA (FLDP, MLDP etc) and ensure that all staff attend at least 2 courses related to their field each year, because reward and recognition is something we take very seriously.”

With an impressive expansion plan, value-focused work force and unrivalled geological reach, there can be no doubting the continued success of BancABC and we look forward to watching their progress throughout 2015 and beyond.