Regional financial services solutions provider, Equity Bank Group, has outlined a commitment to maintain its growth trajectory in the wake of a prestigious global recognition as one of the most sustainable emerging market business operators by the World Economic Forum.
While welcoming the news that Equity Bank Group has been listed as one of the 16 global emerging Markets New Sustainability Champions, Equity Bank Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. James Mwangi disclosed that the bank has embarked on further initiatives to deepen and enhance its product and service offering.
The World Economic Forum recognition, Dr. Mwangi said was yet another feather on the bank’s cap coming hot on the heels of the recent recognition by Euromoney and the Financial Times of London FT.
And to ensure the bank retains its award winning edge, Dr. Mwangi has confirmed roll out plans to enhance new service delivery channels such as Equity Agents service and electronic delivery channels through the internet and mobile platforms.
«As part of our sustainability agenda and commitment to facilitate financial access and inclusion, we have already rolled out more than 2500 Equity Agency outlets which are located within the arm’s length reach of our growing customer base,» Dr. Mwangi said.
And added: «The rollout of Equity Agents is also geared at demystifying banking services and products by allowing our customers to conduct their banking within the locality of trusted neighbours, shopkeepers among other grass root entrepreneurs.»
Prepared in conjunction with The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), The World Economic Forum report highlights innovative business practices from companies originating and operating in global emerging markets.
Titled: Redefining the Future of Growth: The New Sustainability Champions, the World Economic Forum lists Equity Bank as the only financial service provider in the Emerging markets covering India, Brazil, Egypt, South Africa, China, Philippines and Costa Rica which meets the threshold of sustainability based on a criteria covering, innovation, growth and corporate sustainability.
«The New Sustainability Champions are more than just symbols. Their overall performance matters because emerging markets in total are set to contribute more than three-quarters of global growth by 2025 – and because those markets will likely feel resource scarcity most,» said Knut Haanaes, Partner and Managing Director, Boston Consulting Group, Norway.
In the report, World Economic Forum, Centre for Business Engagement Managing Director Robert Greenhill and colleague Jeremy Jurgens confirmed that Equity Bank Group had been picked as one of the 16 finalists from an initial pool of more than 1,000 companies drawn from 11 million.
«This project set out to identify companies originating in the emerging markets for the purpose of researching and understanding the most effective innovative practices for driving sustainable growth,» the two World Economic Forum officials explained.
And added:» Sixteen proactive innovators were selected from an initial pool of more than 1,000 companies based on the criteria of sustainability, innovation and scalability: these companies clearly stand out as the New Sustainability Champions.»
The incisive report contains valuable insights that can help business leaders’ better balance economic growth with responsible stewardship of Earth’s resources.
Alongside Equity Bank, the companies, which operate from a number of different emerging markets, are: China’s Broad Group, Costa Rica’s Florida Ice & Farm, Brazil’s Grupo Balbo, India’s Jain Irrigation Systems, Philippines Manila Water Company, Chile’s Masisa, Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation, Brazil’s Natura, Papu New Guinea’s New Britain Palm Oil and Egypt’s Sekem. Other champions include: Shree Cement of India, China’s Suntech, Suzlon from India, Woolworths of South Africa and Zhangzidao Fishery Group, from China.
Source / Fuente: www.kbc.co.ke
Author / Autor: KNA
Date / Fecha: 22/09/11
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