Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) has officially commissioned its newest branch in Waterloo, the fast-growing headquarters of the Western Area Rural District, marking another milestone in the Bank’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion and accessibility across Sierra Leone.
The grand opening, held on Tuesday 19th August 2025, brought together senior government officials, financial regulators, local authorities, and community stakeholders. Among those in attendance were Deputy Minister of Finance II, Madam Jeneh Jabati, RCBank Board Chairman John Sumaila, Board Member Rev. Archer Campbell, representatives from the Armed Forces Training Center (AFTC), and the Western Rural District Council.
The Waterloo branch comes barely a month after the Bank unveiled another branch in Cline Town, cementing RCBank’s reputation as the fastest-growing financial institution in Sierra Leone.
RCBank Managing Director, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, reaffirmed the Bank’s determination to reshape Sierra Leone’s banking landscape through innovation and expansion.
“Nothing is impossible until it’s done,” Dr. Gilpin remarked. “We are here today because the people of Waterloo asked for Rokel. Even with the presence of other banks, this is the bank they wanted to connect with.”
He explained that the Bank’s presence in Waterloo was not simply about adding another branch, but about meeting a genuine demand for modern, accessible, and people-centered banking. According to Dr. Gilpin, RCBank is committed to expanding financial inclusion by bringing banking services closer to underserved communities and creating more access points across the country.
He emphasized that the Bank is working to change the dynamics of banking in Sierra Leone through agency banking, digital platforms, and open banking—models that reflect global trends in financial services. He added that the institution is partnering closely with mobile network operators to ensure seamless integration between banking and telecommunications, particularly with the rollout of the Central Bank’s National Payment Switch, which allows customers to move money across banks and make local payments with greater ease.
Dr. Gilpin further stressed that as financial systems become more digitized, there must also be stronger collaboration with the security sector to address cyber fraud and other risks. “At Rokel, we are not only building branches, but a sound framework for a resilient financial system,” he said, urging residents to stay loyal to Rokel as more innovations are on the horizon.
Delivering her keynote address, Deputy Minister II of Finance, Madam Jeneh Jabati, described the commissioning as a milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward inclusive financial development.
“This is not merely a ribbon-cutting ceremony,” she said. “It represents RCBank’s unwavering commitment to financial inclusion, national development, and community empowerment.”
She commended the Bank’s resilience through the country’s most difficult periods, including the civil war, Ebola, and the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that RCBank has transformed into a homegrown symbol of stability and opportunity. She urged residents to seize the opportunity by opening accounts, saving, investing, and exploring the Bank’s digital platforms.
Representing the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Sajoh Bah praised RCBank’s expansion drive and commitment to digital banking. He noted that the Bank’s near paperless operations, mobile money integration, internet banking, and QR code payments demonstrate its leadership in delivering secure and convenient financial services.
“With strong capital and liquidity, Rokel continues to position itself as a trusted and innovative leader in Sierra Leone’s financial sector. Rokel is currently ranked among the top banks in the country,” Bah said.
Local authorities, including Councillor Zechariah Kanneh of the Western Area Rural District Council, expressed gratitude to RCBank for extending services to Waterloo. Representatives from the Armed Forces Training Center and the Sierra Leone Police also pledged support, particularly in ensuring security for the new branch.
The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the branch plaque and signboard by Deputy Minister Jabati, followed by a tour of the facility.
Madam Olabumi, the newly appointed Branch Manager, expressed deep appreciation for the milestone.
“Today is a dream fulfilled for the people of Waterloo. We have not just opened a branch; we have opened a world of possibilities through digital channels and financial access,” she said. She also extended special thanks to Dr. Gilpin for his visionary leadership, promising that the Waterloo branch would serve as a hub for innovation and customer-centered banking.
With the commissioning of the Waterloo branch, Rokel Commercial Bank has once again demonstrated its mission to dominate Sierra Leone’s banking industry through resilience, innovation, and an enduring connection to the communities it serves.
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