Creating Opportunities

Rokel Commercial Bank is one of the dominant banks within the market place in Sierra Leone. Earlier this year, the bank was selected in CV’s 2019 Corporate Excellence Awards where they were recognized as theMost Innovative Commercial Bank of 2019 – Sierra Leone. On the back of this win, we profile the bank to discover more about the exceptional services they provide.

Established in 1917, Rokel Commercial Bank (formerly Barclays Bank), was found as Barclays Bank DCO with 100% shares owned by the parent company.In 1971, the firm was incorporated locally and renamed Barclays Bank of Sierra Leone Limited, with 25% shares owned by Sierra Leoneans and 75% Barclays Bank International. The rationale behind this move was to encourage Sierra Leoneans to participate as owners and develop confidence in the Bank.

On the 17th September 1999, Barclays Bank PLC, which was the majority shareholder at the time (60% shares), withdrew from its operations in Sierra Leone after extensive discussions with the Government of Sierra Leone. The Bank, after consultations with the Government, was renamed Rokel Commercial Bank (Sierra Leone) Limited. The Government of Sierra Leone now holds 66% shares, 34% shares owned by private institutions, organizations and individuals.

Today, Rokel Commercial Bank maintains correspondent banking relationships with the following: Standard Chartered Bank New York and Ghana International Bank Plc to provide trade facilities for the importation of goods and services to the country through letters of credit. In addition to this, the bank’s mission is to provide banking and related financial services in a manner that builds strong lasting and satisfying relationships with customers, employees, shareholders and the communities in which the bank operates.