Jun 03 – Gibraltar International Bank: A Traditional Bank Serving The Local Community
Building a bank from scratch is no easy feat, but a year of hard work, determination and the right support has resulted in the official opening of the Gibraltar International Bank.
More than 200 bankers, finance experts, lawyers, politicians and members of staff gathered in the courtyard to the sounds of a string quartet, to celebrate the launch of the Gibraltar International Bank yesterday evening.
Chairman of Board for GIB, Albert Langston, CEO Lawrence Podesta and COO Derek Sene welcomed Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Minister for Finance Albert Isola to inaugurate Gibraltar International Bank.
Mr Langston said this is a traditional bank befitting the local community. He added: “Starting a bank from scratch like the team have done is not an easy task, and for that we have to thank Lawrence Podesta, Derek Sene and all the staff, who have brought this to fruition.”
The announcement for a new bank was made in December 2013, after Barclays Bank announced it was reducing its presence on the Rock.
Mr Podesta and Mr Sene, who both have more than 40 years of banking experience each, were hired to take on this task. When the bank first opened its doors last month, they already had 3,500 clients in their books.
Mr Podesta took the opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed towards building the bank, including the Government, the staff and the contractors.
Mr Isola, who has been involved with GIB from the beginning, said one distinguishable feature about this project is the enormous degree of pride everyone has undertaken.
He added: “You could see the energy, the drive and the pride in what [the team] were doing and what it represented, and I think we can see that every time we walk onto these premises.”
Mr Picardo said GIB has changed banking in Gibraltar, and highlighted that Gibraltar’s economic position is strong enough to have a new national bank open to serve its community. He thanked all those who have contributed to this bank.
He said: “On the 16th December 2013 we promised a modern, innovative and independently managed bank and we have delivered 100% on that commitment.
“And so this is the day we launch modern, innovative and independently managed national bank.”
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