(Ecofin Agency) - For the 4th consecutive year, RAWBANK remains the best bank of the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2018. This was disclosed by renowned U.S. magazine Global Finance in its 25^th annual list of best banks in the world, by region.

From barely 10 employees in 2002, the lender now has 1,600 staff members and more than 90 points of sales (branches and advanced counters). Complying with the best international standards, RWABANK is rated by B3 by Moody’s, certified ISO/IEC 20000 and ISO/IEC 27001, and has over the years built financial partnerships with many international donors such as Proparco, IFC, Shelter Africa…

Commenting the achievement, RAWBANK’s Managing Director declared: “This international recognition by Global Finance is the culmination of the excellent work of all RAWBANK teams whose success is the result of our entrepreneurial spirit and our unique business approach focused on being as close as possible to realities on the ground. These are the values that will continue to guide us in achieving the great ambitions we have set for the future, faithful to our commitments to finance the Congolese economy and to accelerate financial inclusion.”

Among criteria used to establish Global Finance’s rankings are: growth in assets, profitability, geographic reach, strategic relationships, new business development and innovation in products. Subjective criteria included the opinions of equity analysts, credit rating analysts, banking consultants and others involved in the industry.

As DR Congo’s number one bank, RAWBANK aims at providing its customers (individuals, businesses and institutions) the most modern techniques and most recent products there are in the banking and finance industry. For example, last year the bank greatly improved its digital service, developing IllicoCash and Rawbank online; a segment which it plans to further develop in the years to come.

Leveraging on strong foundations recognized worldwide by various awards such as Global Finance’s, RAWBANK has been recording a sustained and robust growth in a sector which is estimated to grow by 25% yearly.

About Rawbank 

Established in 2002 by the Rawji group which is present in Congo since the beginning of 20th century operating in trade, retailing and industry, RAWBANK is the nation’s leading bank. It was the first lender to have its balance sheet exceed $1 billion in 2015. With a workforce of 1,600 people and more than points of sales (branches and advanced counters), RWABANK is rated by B3 by Moody’s, certified ISO/IEC 20000 and ISO/IEC 27001, and has over the years built financial partnerships with many international donors (Proparco, IFC, Shelter Africa…). Reliability, profitability and sustainability are the bank’s operational priorities to consolidate its growth strategy, especially when it regards to its individual customers and the private sector.

For further details on the Global Finance best banks rankings, visit: https://www.gfmag.com/awards-rankings/best-banks-and-financial-rankings/