GTBank Branch Network Reaches Thirteen

Tuesday, August 25, 2009
In its efforts to bring its unparalleled quality banking services to the doorstep of all and sundry, Guaranty Trust Bank has opened two additional branches. One is located at 3 Liberation Avenue in Banjul (opposite the Banjul Post office), while the other is situated at Old Jeshwang, along the Mamadi Manjang Highway.

The opening of these two branches has brought the bank’s total branch network to thirteen (13), thus the Data Bank Securities (the only industry rating agency in The Gambia) got it right when it designated GTBank as the fastest growing bank in The Gambia.

In March 2002, when Guaranty Trust Bank opened its doors for business, the bank was ranked the 8th largest in The Gambia in terms of both branch network and balance sheet sizes.Barely seven years of its operations, Guaranty Trust Bank has registered unprecedented growth in all spheres of banking and posted a balance sheet of D2.4 billion at December end, 2008, to join the league of top three banks in The Gambia. GTBank became the first Commercial Bank to win the maiden “Bank of The Year Award 2008,” at the Gambia Chamber of Commercial and Industry annual business award.

In an upbeat mood, the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Lekan Sanusi said the opening of a second branch in Banjul came as a result of customers’ demands, coupled with the vibrant commercial activities in the City, which requires quality banking service at close proximity. Mr. Sanusi stated that the choice of location for Old Jeshwang is strategic and will serve the teeming motor spare dealers and other businesses in the area.

“We are a customer-driven bank and wherever our service is needed we would not hesitate to act accordingly, just to meet customers’ demands”, he added.

Early this year, Guaranty Trust Bank (Gambia) obtained the approval of the Visa International in South Africa, to be licensed as a ‘Principal’ member of the exclusive club of Visa Banks and agents, and a team of IT experts is currently working on the implementation.The bank will soon embark on the issuing of the Visa Card and customers, as well as non-customers can now pick up the Visa application forms from any of the bank’s 13 locations.

GTBank is now operating from thirteen locations with its head office located along Kairaba Avenue and twelve other branches located in Banjul, Serekunda, Senegambia, Brikama, Bamboo, Kanifing, Latrikunda Sabiji, Brusubi, Bundung, Farafenni, Old Jeswang and Banjul 2( No.3 Liberation Avenue).

Beyond its wide array of products, services and payment channels, GTBank is also credited with pioneering On-Line-Real-Time banking in The Gambia as customers of GTBank could access their accounts or do any transactions from any of GTBank’s eleven locations.Over the years, the bank championed the introduction of innovative e-products, such as Telephone banking, Internet banking, and Slip-free banking.

GTBank is a direct agent of Western Union and provides the platform for its customers, as well as non-customers to send or receive money through its wide branch network to and from any part of the world.There is also “GTB Joni Joni Cash” which is a local money transfer service that enables customers and non-customers to instantly send or receive money at GTBank branches in The Gambia.

The bank has also installed four ATM machines at its Kairaba Avenue Head Office, Senegambia branch, Serrekunda branch and Africell Building, along Kairaba Avenue.As the bank continues to set benchmark initiatives, GTBank has also introduced Point of Sales Terminal (POS), available at Harry’s Supermarket, Kairaba Shopping Centre, Butchers Restaurant, Timbuktu Bookstores, Elton Kairaba and Elton Bijilo.

Both the ATMs and the POS currently accepts the bank’s local card ‘Cash plus Card’.