The Tribune

Andbank (Bahamas) is moving to develop Bahamian talent, starting with two College of the Bahamas (COB) students.

The Andorra-based, family-owned private bank, after setting up its full service banking arm late last year, has tripled its staff over the past 12 months and is moving on to the next stage of its development in the Bahamas.

Justin Knowles, an economics major, and Lauren Russell, a banking and finance major, have been selected to intern at Andbank (Bahamas) for a period of 12 weeks that started this month.

They will be working Juan Iglesias, Andbank’s chief executive; Daniel-Marc Brunner, head of private banking; Werner Gruner, director, of private banking; George Maillis, director, private banking; Amanda Smith, associate director; and Wendell Gardiner, director, compliance.

The two Bahamian students will be working in the cmpliance, risk and private banking departments. By exposing the two to both front and back office operations, Andbank believes they will maximise their three-month experience.

Ms Russell said: “I know that there are many outstanding financial houses in the Bahamas, but I wanted to find an institution that sets itself apart.

“After careful research, I was impressed with the company’s core value of providing exclusive, direct and personal treatment and products to their clients.”

Mr Knowles added: “While I could gain a textbook knowledge of the Bahamian economy, I realised that there is no substitute for hands-on experience.

“I needed to find a place that would not only help me develop as a future professional, but also on a personal level. Andbank works exclusively with international clients, so not only will I gain invaluable business experience, but I will also be able to hone my language skills as well as interact with persons from a wide spectrum of countries and backgrounds.”

Mr Iglesias said: “The Ministry of Financial Services and the Bahamas Financial Services Board are committed to excellence in the financial services industry of this jurisdiction.

“We share that vision and believe that developing future talent is key to achieving and maintaining it.”