ABC Vision Diaspora Edition February 2013
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Diaspora Edition February 2013, Issue No. 2 Diaspora: We are creating jobs and wealth in Kenya Some Kenyans may not be appreciating fully the critical role non-resident Kenyans are playing in the economic development of this country. A few may dismiss them as a small number of fellow citizens who regularly send money to their next of kin and friends for their day-to-day expenditure and invest the little that remains on their behalf. But this is a small picture of what they do. For instance, the amount of money Kenyans in the Diaspora sent home rose by a 31.4 per cent to Sh104.3 billion in 2012 from Ksh.77.4 billion in 2011. This amount not only helped to stabilise the Kenya shilling, but also found its way into various investments across the economy.”Although we are away from home, we support our families but also contribute to the country’s employment and wealth creation efforts,” says Mr Freddie Siva, a Kenyan residing in the Diaspora, who has invested in a boutique in Mombasa and agriculture in Western Kenya. As Kenyans go into the March 4, 2013 General election, Mr. Siva urges them to maintain peace in the run up, during and after the polls to encourage investors, foreign and local -including Kenyans in the Diaspora - to invest in the country. “Through ABC bank, I can be able to send money transfers back home while sitting in the office” Mr. Siva who is an ABC Bank customer is currently serving the American Army in Afghanistan. He has a dream of building a house in Mombasa. One of his challenges of pursuing this dream is the fear of repeat- ed election violence. “I would like to urge Kenyans to maintain peace after the March 4th General elections so as to not discourage Diaspora investors like myself from investing back home. I would also like to request the government to address security issues so that our investments can are safe while we are away.” He praises ABC Bank in facilitating his banking needs. ABC Bank has been a great help to me ever since I became a customer in 2010. Through ABC bank, I can be able to send money transfers back home while sitting in the office” he says.
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Transcript of ABC Vision Diaspora Edition February 2013
Diaspora Edition February 2013, Issue No. 2
Diaspora: We are creating jobs and wealth in Kenya
Some Kenyans may not be appreciating fully the critical role non-resident Kenyans are playing in the economic development of this country. A few may dismiss them as a small number of fellow citizens who regularly send money to their next of kin and friends for their day-to-day expenditure and invest the little that remains on their behalf. But this is a small picture of what they do. For instance, the amount of money Kenyans in the Diaspora sent home rose by a 31.4 per cent to Sh104.3 billion in 2012 from Ksh.77.4 billion in 2011.
This amount not only helped to stabilise the Kenya shilling, but also found its way into various investments across the economy.”Although we are away from home, we support our families but also contribute to the country’s employment and wealth creation efforts,” says Mr Freddie Siva, a Kenyan residing in the Diaspora, who has invested in a boutique in Mombasa and agriculture in Western Kenya. As Kenyans go into the March 4, 2013 General election, Mr. Siva urges them to maintain peace in the run up, during and after the polls to encourage investors, foreign and local -including Kenyans in the Diaspora - to invest in the country.
“Through ABC bank, I can be able to send money transfers back
home while sitting in the office”
Mr. Siva who is an ABC Bank customer is currently serving the American Army in Afghanistan. He has a dream of building a house in Mombasa. One of his challenges of pursuing this dream is the fear of repeat-ed election violence.
“I would like to urge Kenyans to maintain peace after the March 4th General elections so as to not discourage Diaspora investors like myself from investing back home. I would also like to request the government to address security issues so that our investments can are safe while we are away.”
He praises ABC Bank in facilitating his banking needs. ABC Bank has been a great help to me ever since I became a customer in 2010. Through ABC bank, I can be able to send money transfers back home while sitting in the office” he says.
The beginning of the year is a time of reflection for the ABC family. And as we look back on 2012, its highs and lows, our successes and failures, I am encouraged by the strides we have made in what we considered to be a transition year for the Bank.
Some of the key highlights of 2012 include:
• The completion, launch and the start ofimplementationofourfiveyearstrategy,there-by laying a firm foundation for our plannedgrowth.Thereweremanydiscussionsandheat-eddebatesduringthestrategyprocess,butIamhappytosaythatweforgedaconsensuswithashared vision for the future. The process dem-onstratedtome,howpassionateTeamABCistodeliver‘theextraordinary’toourcustomersandotherstakeholders.
• Therolloutofourchangemanagementprogram, includingtheculturechangetrainingaspectsoftheprogram.Thesheerenthusiasmwithwhichthishasbeenreceived in theorganizationhasbeenvery rewarding; evenmore rewarding isseeingthetrainingtranslateintoactionamongthestaff.
But while we know we have made progress in some areas, we also recognize that we still have some distance to cover in others. As we start the year, we are alive to the fact that we need to reach even higher, and strive to do greater things for the larger ABC family - our customers, shareholders and the larger public.These are our priorities in the New Year!
Your feedback is much appreciated, so please keep it [email protected]
I wish you all a blessed year, and pray for peace and prosperity for our beloved country, Kenya.
Thank You.
Group Managing Director
The ABC Bank Diaspora department is off to a great start this year! I thank all our customers for their support in 2013. Indeed, through very difficult times, you have supported us and remained loyal to the Bank. As we look back over 2012, several achievements come to mind:
1. The roll out of our revamped accounts including the target and pure savers accounts. These accounts, by paying higher rates of interest, are geared towards making it easier for our customers to save in local currency back home.
2. The launch of our investments bulletin early last year. That several of our customers have acquired property and made investments on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) through this channel brings us great joy. We intend to further expand this bulletin to include other avenues of investment in other regions of the country. In addition, our partners, Developing Afrika Limited, will be putting together a comprehensive channel to guide customers who would wish to undertake major construction projects in 2013.
3. Access to air ticket purchase services, at discounted rates. This service has proven overwhelmingly popular, and in 2013 we will be seeking additional partnerships and greater discounts for customers.
4. Our focus for 2013 is to take diaspora banking to a whole new level through unparalleled service and convenience.
To give you a sneak preview of what we have in store:1. We will be launching an exclusive web site for our diaspora customers in the first half of
the year. Through this channel, customers will access a wealth of information and tools to help them make better investment choices and manage money better. Services on this platform will largely be automated, meaning that filling in numerous forms will be a thing of the past.
2. The expansion of our branch network, as well as our electronic channels remains a priority. Key among the channels to be rolled out in the first half of the year are upgraded internet banking and Mastercard debit cards.
3. We will continue to seek out new opportunities in different markets. This year, we will be looking to new markets in Europe and the US as we seek to increase access to our products and services. For our existing customers, our focus is on providing unparalleled service in 2013. We recognize that there is room for improvement in our responsiveness and make a commitment to our customers to do even better this year.
We look forward to growing together. Happy 2013!
Ann WanjaDiaspora Banking
GMD statement Diaspora Banking
2013 is here - Here’s how to start saving!ABCVision’sQ&AwithAmandaCorline,HeadofRetailBanking
Q: ABC Bank has different accounts for its customers –local and Diaspora. Is there any one you would recommend to a customer who wishes to save in 2013?
A: We have suitable accounts depending on individual needs at different times. We have a wide range of everyday transactional accounts, savings accounts for both adults and children and accounts geared towards investments and high returns. For a customer who wishes to accumulate savings, our newly revamped Pure savers account maybe of interest. This account is fairly restrictive, providing access to your funds once a quarter, but rewarding you with up to 9.25% p.a. interest on saved funds.
Q: Why do you recommend this particular account?
A: This account would enable a customer to achieve his or her dreams and goals by encouraging disciplined saving. It actually gives returns comparable to fixed deposits, but with a slightly more flexibility, in case of emergencies. Transferring funds into this account is easy and affordable. In addition, we have removed the points of ‘temptation’
– we do not provide an ATM or cheque book on this account.
Q: What are its key features?
A: The minimum opening balance for this account is Kshs. 5,000. This is the minimum interest earning balance. We recommend that customers who hold this account to put in place standing orders from their existing current accounts or transactional accounts to ensure saving is regular and as convenient as possible. There are no hidden charges, and interest is calculated monthly, but credited quarterly.
Q: What does one need to open this account?
A: It is simple to open a Pure Savers Account. All existing customers need is a letter requesting the Bank to open the account and Kshs. 5,000 opening balance. For non ac-count holders, all we need are two passport-size photos and a copy of their national I.D. or Passport to open it after in addition to filling a form. What’s more clients can open the account from the comfort of their offices or homes! Just drop us a line and we will come to you
Product Focus
Kenya shilling report for the period ending January 21st 2013
The Kenya shilling weakened gradually in the month of January touching a low of 87.10 by the close of business on 21st January, 2013. The follow-ing factors contributed to the shilling’s slide;
• Kenya’smonetarypolicycommitteeloweredtheCentralBankRate(CBR)to9.50%,whichwasabigger-than-expectedmargin.
• Yieldsingovernmentsecuritiescontinuedtocomedown,whichhasledtoreducedinves-torparticipationinT-billauctions,henceincreasedshillingliquidity.
• Increaseddollardemandinthemarketasimporterspurchasetokeepstockinanticipationoffurthershillingfall.
However the shilling was supported from further volatility by,• Continuoussupportbycentralbankthroughdrainingofexcessliquidityinthemarketand
directinterventionviasellingofdollarstocommercialbanks.
Highlights
• Opening Rate: 85.70• High for the Period: 87.10• Low for the Period: 85.60• Closing Rate: 87.10• Range for the Period: 85.60 – 87.70
KES OUTLOOK GOING FORWARDWe expect the shilling to continue weakening against the dollar and trade in the 86.60 to 87.50 range in the coming days.
The Political situation is also a factor to watch.
News Analysis
ABC Highlights
Introducing our General Manager, Group Business Development
We are pleased to introduce Mr. Peter Kinyanjui, who joined ABC Bank Group in October 2012 as General Manager, Group Business Development.
Mr. Kinyanjui holds a Bachelors of Science (HONS) in Business Administration, an MBA in Strategic Management and is also an Associate of the Chartered I nstitute of Bankers London and a Fellow of the Kenya Institute of Bankers. He is an experienced professional banker, with excellent t e a m l e a d e r s h i p , high level planning, organizational design and transformational skills.
He possesses a wealth of practical experience and skills in all aspects of banking and management, acquired during his rich banking career spreading over twenty five (25) years in various senior and Executive Management positions held at Family Bank, Industrial Development Bank (IDB), and Barclays Bank. He is well known for ground breaking initiatives in the Kenya banking industry, and his joining presents ABC Bank Group the opportunity to optimally leverage our synergies across our various businesses-banking in Kenya and Uganda, insurance and capital markets.Peter can be reached on (020) 4263 015 or [email protected]
[email protected] for more information.
Price Ksh 1 Million Per Acre. The farm has 6 acres with mature mango and coconut trees.
Mtwapa farm 6acres
Price Ksh 2 Million Per Acre. 1/8 Acre fully serviced gated community plots, 2nd row from the beach, near Mtwapa beach hotel.
Mtwapa 1/8 acre plot
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNTIESPROPERTY INVESTMENTS
[email protected] for more information.
Treat yourself to an unforgttable getaway from the busy
has 6 acre w ith mature mango and coconut trees. The view of the country is breath taking and you will be left to not want to leave as you listen to the birds chirping in the neighbourhood the farm is 6 acres in tatal.
Sale price : Kshs 1.6 million per acre
Kitengela, Bungalow
The house is in Kitengela - New Valley Estate. Its on stand alone 1/8 plot of land. Fully done 3 bedroomed bungalow
common toilet and bathroom. Spacious kitchen and store. Water and electricity available.
-rized drawings.
Sale price : Kshs 4.6 million
Property
You are the reasonwe came to work today.
Email [email protected]
Facebook www.facebook.com/abcthebank
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Phone +254 (20) 4263000
Q: is it possible to have more than one account linked to my internet banking account?
A; Hello. thank you for writing to us,Yes you can have more than one account linked to your internet banking account. I have attached the
the accounts ( in the account details section) that you would want to be linked to internet banking. If you have any other query or inquiry do not hesitate to contact us. Thank You so much for being our customer. Happy Christmas!
Q: Hi. I operate a Kisima account for which a standard monthly charge of KShs 495 is levied on my account. This has always been this way since I opened the account several years ago and Iam okey with this arrangement.In the month of December 2012, the standard charge was levied on 31 Dec 2012, as per below. However, I note that on 28 December 2012, another charge of KShs 1,200 was also debited to my account. This is a wrongful charge and I object to the same. This transaction should be revised to reinstate my account to the correct cash position.
account is a recovery for online banking charges which is done annually. Online banking is charged separately from any charges of an account because it is a service on its own. Should you feel that you require further information please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you so much for being our customer and for the support. Have a nice day and a blessed new
Q: Im an abc bank account holder in libra house branch. please can you open for me internet banking account?
A: Thank you for writing to us. For us to set you up for online banking you are required to send us instructions. by completing an internet banking application form and an email indemnity. form both duly signed by yourself. Please complete the attached forms and send them back to us. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you so much for banking with us. Have a nice day.
Service
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