First Global Bank (FGB) Limited, the banking arm of financial services powerhouse GraceKennedy Financial Group, recently expanded its banking agency network with two First Global Money Link (FGML) locations in rural Jamaica. The new banking agent locations opened in Highgate, St. Mary and Albert Town, Trelawny.
The move, intended to leverage the Government of Jamaica’s (GOJ) thrust to build financial inclusion among the population’s unbanked and underbanked segments, has increased to 13, the number of FGML locations that now cater to the informal sector.
Mariame McIntosh Robinson, FGB’s President and CEO, in her endorsement of the agent locations expansion drive said, “Despite the present reality of a pandemic, we determined that the value proposition for First Global Money Link rests upon giving our clients access to ‘more’. More convenience, more products with simplified requirements, more value and certainly our biggest sell – innovation. We’re expanding to deliver financial inclusion to our communities where a one-size fits all commercial institution does not answer the call of the unbanked or underbanked individual.”
Suzette Dawkins, FGB’s Assistant Vice President Personal and Business Banking, advised that, “The opening of these locations is integral to a strategic objective to bring FGB’s banking solutions closer to communities all across Jamaica. The banking agent locations give our clients access to essentials including – deposit and withdrawal transactions, credit card payment services using their FGB VISA Debit or Credit card. In addition, the client will gain access to the other GraceKennedy Financial businesses on offer in the GK ONE locations. This includes: Bill Express, Western Union, FX Trader, GK Proxim for quick and easy same day loans, and insurance products.”
The new locations facilitate customer transactions such as deposits of up to J$250,000; withdrawals up to J$100,000; credit card payments; and to complete balance enquiries in a quick and convenient location outside of traditional banking halls. Mrs Dawkins explained that, “FGB’s commitment to empower our people to get ahead in life and in business is why we seek out every opportunity to expand our operations and our product profile to meet the needs of existing and potential clients so they can realize their big and small dreams.”