Banker S.A. March 2013 | Page 47

MEMBER BANKS Introducing Banking Association Member Finbond Mutual Bank Q&A Name of bank: Finbond Mutual Bank Who owns the bank: The fundamental “Mutual Bank” principle is that a “Mutual Bank” is owned by its depositors and managed for the benefit of its depositors. Finbond Group Limited (FGL) which was Finbond Mutual Bank’s first depositor, capitalising the bank with the required regulatory capital through the acquisition of permanent Class A shares, is Finbond Mutual Bank’s majority shareholder. Core business and target market: Finbond Mutual Bank conducts its business through two divisions focused on, Investment and Savings Products and Micro Credit Products. Investment and Savings products, which offer an above-average rate of return, are offered nationally to investors and pensioners looking for guaranteed, higher fixed-income in the current environment of depressed yields. Finbond’s strategy is to stimulate savings through offering superior investment and saving solutions by providing client shareholders with better interest rates, better products and better service. Micro Credit Products are offered nationally through Finbond’s 170 branches in South Africa to the underbanked and underserved market of more than 40% of the adult population in South Africa actively seeking credit solutions but remaining largely unattended and underserviced. Vision: To be the leading Mutual and Savings Bank in South Africa, improving the quality of life of our clients through their participation in saving together, growing together and ownership of their own community bank. Core values: Finbond Mutual Bank exists to improve and transform the lives and livelihoods of our clients by availing them of modern, inclusive banking products and services that benefit and empower them. These are: • Integrity – To maintain social and ethical norms in all activities. • Human Dignity – To at all times treat people with respect and consideration for their unique needs, feelings and opinions. • Excellence – To be excellent in everything at all levels, at all times. • Accountability – To accept responsibility for the work delegated and execute it with excellence. • Teamwork – To strive for the greater benefit of the organisation through an appreciation of the role that each employee plays in achieving the overall goals. Dr Willie van Aardt, CEO, Finbond CSI: Finbond contributes to and is proud to be associated with Tshwane Place of Safety Association (TPOSA), which focuses on providing orphaned and abandoned babies and babies infected with HIV with good homes, frail care and shelter. For further info see www.placeofsafety.org.za. THE CEO: DR WILLIE VAN AARDT For further information contact Finbond Mutual Bank on 012 460 7288 or visit www.finbondmutualbank.co.za Previously the co-founder and an executive director of Thuthukani Group Limited, a JSE listed micro-finance and debt collection company, van Aardt has held the positions of Legal Consultant to Sanlam and Executive Director of Thuthukani Group Limited. Van Aardt obtained a B. Proc (Cum Laude), LLM at the University of Pretoria (UP), LLD at Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (PUCHE) and has 15 years experience in financial services and micro-lending sectors. Edition 5 BANKER SA 45