The Tribune

RBC Royal Bank has celebrated the opening of its newly-renovated John F Kennedy drive branch.

More than 200 clients and community members were present at the event, including Nathaniel Beneby Jr., market head of personal banking for RBC in the Bahamas, Cayman and Turks & Caicos; Wendy Craigg, governor of the Central Bank of the Bahamas; and Michael Halkitis, minister of state finance.

RBC Royal Bank moved its JFK branch to the ground floor of the Royal Star Alliance Building in early April 2013, after investing $1.1 million in renovating the 6,700 square feet of leased interior space, which required six months to complete. The new location is two buildings west of its former location.

“RBC was at its previous location for 35 years and had outgrown the space,” said Patrice Ritchie, area vice-president for personal banking on New Providence.

“The new location offers larger banking space, and ample parking in a location very near to the old location, which was convenient for our clients.”

Mrs Ritchie added that the branch boasts a new design, which reflects a welcoming interior and more visible exterior, and allows for more interaction with clients.

“RBC has had a continuous presence in the Bahamas since 1908. Over the past 105 years our network of 26 branches, 54 ATMs, a Business Banking Centre, International Wealth Management, Corporate and Capital Markets Group has changed to meet the growing needs of Bahamians,” said Mr Beneby.

“The opening of this expanded JFK branch reinforces RBC’s commitment to the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean region. We are proud to be part of the Bahamian community, providing convenient and easy banking services that help Bahamians succeed.”

The JFK branch employs 21 team members who transferred from the previous location. The new branch has also been constructed to accommodate future staffing growth.

Mr Halkitis said: “By opening this branch, RBC has once again demonstrated its commitment to extending its reach within the Bahamas and its desire to better cater to the needs of the Bahamian consumer.

“It is proving that it has no plans of slowing down and will continue to identify areas for growth in the Bahamas. By doing so, RBC can capitalise fully on its potential to be a leader in the financial services industry.”

“The banking landscape has evolved since 1973,” added Mrs Craigg. “With the financial sector being the second largest industry, banks play a critical role in helping Bahamians build wealth.

“In addition, banks are investing in the Bahamian economy by upgrading their units, and RBC’s JFK branch is a first-class strategic investment. The Central Bank of The Bahamas is encouraged by such activities and implores banks to continue to find new ways to enhance the Bahamian community.”

RBC has a new RBC branch office in Lyford Cay under construction and scheduled to open soon. It will be a 6,000 square foot, stand alone, modern banking location with ample parking for clients. RBC will own this location, with an approved investment budget in excess of $3 million.