Capital Bank Botswana is rebranding to First Capital Bank. The name change forms part of the launch of a new and cohesive brand identity for FMBcapital Holdings PLC’s banking operations in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia.

Dheeraj Dikshit, Group Managing Director of FMBcapital Holdings PLC says the bank’s regional network is ideally suited to partner with clients as they expand their business into new markets. “Our group comprises of a unified team offering integrated services across five markets. Now the single First Capital Bank name and brand will reflect this. Our regional reach not only means that clients can avail banking services and solutions across markets seamlessly, but also that their relationship with the bank extends into new markets.”

First Capital Bank was founded in 1995 in Malawi, where it was known as First Merchant Bank. Since then the bank has progressively grown to become a nimble regional banking group offering a comprehensive range of business and personal banking products. The Group currently employs over 1 800 staff who service a client base of nearly 840 000. “Over the past two decades we have seen Southern Africa begin to realise its enormous potential with businesses pursuing growth both domestically and regionally. This has meant that we also have to continuously improve and expand our service and product offering to continue to partner with them effectively” says Hitesh Anadkat, Chairman of First Capital Bank.

Last year the group acquired a majority shareholding in the holding company of Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe and as per the transition arrangement, the bank will migrate from the Barclays PLC brand to a co-brand for two years. The Zimbabwe operation will be rebranded as “First Capital Bank in association with Barclays”.

Viljoen says the bank’s new image will not influence its operations or change its focus on the needs of its local clients. While total profits in Botswana’s banking sector have declined sharply in recent years, First Capital Bank has posted a compounded annual growth rate in profit after tax of 25% over the past five years. “Our team in Botswana has worked hard to remain nimble while we continue to grow and improve our services. We will retain our focus on relationships as we work alongside our clients and communities to help them to achieve their extraordinary” says Viljoen.

The rebrand will see the group’s branches being refurbished to reflect the new visual identity and logo over the coming months.

Viljoen says the spirit of First Capital Bank is also reflected in its new motto: Belief comes first. “Belief came first for us when the bank was founded. Our knowledge, experience and expertise were crucial, but above all it was belief that propelled us forward. Belief in our vision for our business, belief in our clients and belief in the potential of our country and continent.”