Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) has taken a bold step toward regional expansion by sending a high-powered delegation to the Republic of Liberia. Led by the Bank’s Managing Director, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, the team departed Sierra Leone on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, to engage with key stakeholders and evaluate opportunities for establishing a presence in Liberia’s financial market.

The week-long mission is part of RCBank’s long-term strategy to expand its reach across the West African sub-region, positioning itself as a leading provider of innovative, state-of-the-art banking services. While the outcome of the exploratory visit is yet to be determined, it marks a significant step toward transforming the Bank’s regional vision into reality.

“We have not come on a vacation,” declared Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin. “We are here to not only assess the viability of any future operations but to also make a statement that Sierra Leone is ready to emerge as a key player in sub-regional finance. The outcome of this visit will determine the next steps and we are very hopeful for a positive result.”

During their time in Liberia, the RCBank team will conduct market analysis, consult with potential partners and build networks that could eventually lead to the Bank's presence in the country. The mission underscores RCBank's confidence in its ability to scale operations and expand its service delivery beyond Sierra Leone’s borders.

RCBank’s potential entry into the Liberian market is also a reflection of its recent transformation and investment in digital banking infrastructure. Over the past few years, the Bank has embraced technological innovation and financial inclusion, earning a reputation as one of Sierra Leone’s most progressive financial institutions.

Between 2023 and 2024, RCBank forged strategic alliances with several major international financial institutions, including Standard Chartered Bank (USA), Ghana International Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa (New York), Aktif Bank (Turkey) and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS). Notably, RCBank was among the first Sierra Leonean banks to adopt PAPSS, a game-changing platform that facilitates real-time cross-border payments in local currencies across Africa.

If the Liberia mission proves successful, it would not only contribute to the Bank’s asset growth and profitability but also elevate Sierra Leone’s standing in the ECOWAS financial landscape. By exporting homegrown banking excellence to regional markets, RCBank is setting a precedent for other indigenous institutions aiming to expand their footprint on the continent.

RCBank continues to push boundaries and explore new frontiers while maintaining a steadfast commitment to innovation, customer-centred services and regional integration. The journey to Liberia could be just the beginning of many such ventures as the Bank charts a course toward continental relevance.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/rcbank-explores-expansion-in-liberia-as-part-of-sub-regional-growth-drive/