First Security Islami Bank (FSIBL) has vowed to promote SME, agriculture and women entrepreneurship in its relentless efforts to contribute more in the development of country's growing economy.
"SME, agriculture and women entrepreneurship are our key priorities to help create a supportive ecosystem to spur the national economic growth," Syed Waseque Md Ali, managing director of FSIBL told The Financial Express recently to mark the 19th anniversary of the leading PCB.
According to the unaudited Q3 disclosures posted on the DSE website on Wednesday, the consolidated EPS of the bank was Tk. 0.13 for July-September 2018 as against Tk. 0.24 for July-September 2017 while consolidated EPS was Tk. 0.58 for January-September 2018 as against Tk. 0.97 for January-September 2017.
Consolidated NOCFPS was Tk. (6.14) for January-September 2018 as against Tk. (9.47) for January-September 2017. Consolidated NAV per share was Tk. 15.60 as on September 30, 2018 and Tk. 14.26 as on September 30, 2017.
"We will create a rock-solid foundation of our bank in the industry through offering quality banking services, stable financial strength and fulfilling regulatory compliances," he said adding a proper plan of action has already been taken in this regard.
In 2017, the bank earned Tk 1389.92 million as net profit which was Tk 1410.33 million in 2016.
The bank had Tk 299,106.10 million deposit in 2017 against Tk 274,224.78 million in 2016 while the total investment rose to Tk 273,352.47 million in 2017 against Tk 225,889.89 million in 2016.
A total of 171 branches of the bank are now operating across the country with 20 agent banking booths.
FSIBL has a strong footing in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in the country.
"Our CSR activities cover education, sports, environment and any creative efforts innovated by young segment of our country," the FSIBL MD disclosed.
Commenting on the growing non-performing loan (NPL) volumes of banking sector, the career banker said the boards of the banks should diligently choice the borrowers on the basis of their track record and capacity to pay off the loans.
The guiding idea for FSIBL to meet the new challenges of contemporary market place is to focus on the power of personal touch and relationship banking.
"No digital innovation can take the place of human touch. But that does not stop us to use the most up-to-date IT solutions for banking infrastructure. State-of-the-art IT solutions is one of the key sources of strength for the bank".
"We introduced many of the tech-savvy products in the market, "Mr Syed Waseque said.
" 'First pay sure cash', a mobile banking product of the bank launched since 2012 has already attracted a large number of customers," he said.
"The second key area of our strength is our corporate governance. Effective corporate governance in accordance with high international standards is the bedrock of FSIBL businesses," he asserted.
"Our system of corporate governance provides the basis for the responsible management, transparency of processes and compliance to regulatory bodies with a focus on sustainable value creation."
"We at FSIBL are not going to take rest on our laurels and achieve new grounds and highs through leveraging our core strengths in different areas of functioning. As we are turning 20 today (Thursday) we would like to make it special in every way possible," Mr Waseque added.
"We are committed to enhancing the value of the banking industry brand and epitomise our commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards to mark the completion of 19 years of FSIBL," the FSIBL MD asserted.
"We are delighted to share our 19th founding anniversary moments and we look forward to working with our stakeholders to further increase the dignity and reputation of our valued entity."
The bank obtained permission from Bangladesh Bank to commence its business on September 22, 1999. Later it converted its banking operation into Islamic banking based on Islamic shariah on January 1, 2009.
The bank has two subsidiaries- First Security Islami Capital and Investment Limited and First Security Islami Exchange Italy SRL.
The bank, a listed company held its 19th annual general meeting on June 26 last and approved 10 per cent stock dividend for the shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Syed Waseque Md Ali, a career banker joined FSIBL as MD in 2009 and previously served in Dutch-Bangla Bank Ltd from 1996 to 2008 and IFIC Bank from 1983 to 1996.
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