By Emma Black
Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) has been lauded by Forbes Africa for its trailblazing efforts in revolutionizing Sierra Leone’s financial sector, blending cutting-edge digital solutions, inclusive lending, and global banking standards to empower communities and businesses, under the dynamic leadership of managing
Director and CEO Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, RCB has transformed from a struggling institution into the nation’s leading bank, driving economic growth and financial inclusion in line with Sierra Leone’s Vision 2030.
When Dr. Gilpin took the helm in 2017, RCB faced outdated systems, declining public trust, and operational inefficiencies, we were stuck in a paper-based past everything ran on vouchers, he recalled, determined to modernize, he spearheaded a bold overhaul, introducing a sleek rebrand with a phantom blue and gold logo symbolizing innovation and trust, more critically, he launched a digitization drive to put banking in customers’ hands, making services accessible anytime, anywhere even in Sierra Leone’s remotest corners.
The results speak for themselves, in 2016, RCB posted a modest profit of 1.5 billion Leones approximately $65,000 USD at current rates. By 2017, profits soared to 65 billion Leones ($2.8 million USD) pre-tax, a testament to Dr. Gilpin’s strategic vision and the dedication of RCB’s board and staff, we shifted from survival to growth, building a culture of excellence, he said, today, RCB’s mobile banking app and 24/7 account access cater to a tech-savvy youth and traditional clients alike, with seamless transactions bridging urban and rural divides.
RCB’s digital platform is more than convenience it’s a lifeline for financial inclusion, initiatives like SME lending programs and salary schemes have opened doors for underserved groups, empowering small businesses and individuals, it’s not just about accounts; it’s about sustainable access to finance, Dr. Gilpin emphasized. By reducing default risks through tailored repayment plans, RCB is fueling entrepreneurship, from market traders in Kono to tech startups in Freetown.
Globally, RCB stands tall, partnerships with banks in the U.S., U.K., and Turkey enable smooth international transactions, boosting Sierra Leone’s appeal to investors. These ties, combined with adherence to rigorous banking standards, have rebuilt customer confidence, positioning RCB as a stable pillar in a growing economy, we’re simplifying investment and aligning with the President’s goals for a robust financial system, Dr. Gilpin noted, referencing Sierra Leone’s Vision 2030 for economic transformation.
Forbes Africa’s recognition highlights RCB’s role in fostering entrepreneurship and development, the Pan-African outlet praised the bank’s ability to balance innovation with accessibility, capturing both a young, digital generation and loyal, long-term customers, we’re more than a bank we’re a partner in Sierra Leone’s progress, Dr. Gilpin said, a sentiment echoed by customers like Aminata Kamara, a Bo shop owner who credits RCB’s loan program for doubling her business in two years.
Looking ahead, RCB plans to expand its branch network, refine corporate lending, and launch sustainability-focused initiatives, including programs for environmental and social responsibility. Dr. Gilpin also eyes regional growth, aiming to cement RCB’s influence across West Africa, we’re building today for tomorrow’s prosperity, he said, underscoring a commitment to long-term impact.
Challenges remain, including extending digital access to areas with limited internet and ensuring staff training keeps pace with innovation, yet, RCB’s trajectory is clear. With a century-long legacy, the bank is blending tradition with modernity, reshaping Sierra Leone’s financial landscape under Dr. Gilpin’s visionary leadership, as Forbes Africa’s nod affirms, RCB is not just banking it’s building a nation’s economic future, one inclusive, digital step at a time.