VCBBank is a financial institution focused on providing banking services. We offer both private and business services.
Customers can come to us for financial products in the field of payments, savings, loans, mortgages, insurance, and investments As a bank, we always prioritize the interests of our customers. Through our knowledge and experience, we can meet the needs of a broad customer base. This includes individuals, families, small businesses, large corporations, and institutions. Our customers are central to everything we do.
The Surinamese People’s Credit Bank opened its doors to the public in 1949. But its history goes back to 1932. On August 27 of that year, a commission was appointed to study whether it was desirable to create a legal regulation for a money lending business in Suriname. The condition of the States was that no legal money lending could be established without creating a new credit opportunity. To meet this, two important studies were used, and the final conclusions of these documents served as the basis for the deed of foundation of the Surinamese People’s Credit Bank.
This deed was executed before notary Drielsma on October 18, 1948, and published in the G.A.B. of October 22, 1948, no. 93. On January 3, 1949, the People’s Credit Bank opened its doors to the public. The bank started its business with the discounting of small promissory notes and pawnshop credit. The credit methods have been slightly modified over the years, while the conditions regarding credit granting are still being applied and tightened, depending on the time and the prevailing circumstances.
Over the years, the bank gradually expanded its field of operation from Paramaribo and surroundings to the districts as a result of economic activity. For example, there is a branch in the Nickerie district that originated from the people’s credit department of the Surinamese Bank N.V.
The people’s credit system in Nickerie was financed by the Surinamese Bank N.V. and managed by seconded personnel from the VCB in Paramaribo. This cooperation between the two banks was laid down in the National Ordinance of December 17, 1952, started in 1953, and would end as soon as the Surinamese Bank N.V. would cease to be a circulation bank. That moment fell on April 1, 1957, when the Central Bank of Suriname was established. On April 5, 1958, the VCB opened its doors to the public in Nickerie.
Banking activities commenced in Lelydorp in 1975. As the bank did not yet have its own office space, a section of the Samoedj store was leased. Construction of its own office began in 1975, and the official opening took place in 1977. In April 1982, construction work began for the office in Latour. The official opening took place on January 31, 1983. This was followed by the openings of the offices in Groningen, Saramacca on February 1, 1986, and Para on May 23, 2014.
In December 2014, the takeover of the Agricultural Bank N.V. took place under the supervision and guidance of the State of Suriname (as a shareholder of both banks). With this acquisition, VCBBANK has expanded its distribution network and now has 10 offices in 7 different districts. VCBBANK thereby brings its services even closer to the community; after all, we are a bank for everyone. We offer tailored financial services and strive to be your financial service provider of choice.
As stated in Art. 2 of the VCB Statutes, the bank’s tasks include, among others, operating a “loan bank”, or the exercise of the Pawnshop Business. In 1948, several pawnshops were active, of which the Simons pawnshop was one of the largest. It was agreed with the owner of this pawnshop that upon becoming operational, this pawnshop would be liquidated and VCBBANK would take over the activities. The staff of Simons pawnshop entered the service of VCBBANK. Today, it has been clearly proven that this form of short-term small loans, often emergency or bridging credit, meets a great need in society.
Mission
We are the reliable financial partner for everyone.
Vision
We strive to create value for our customers, employees, and society as a whole.
Core values
- Integrity
- Customer Focus
- Excellence
- Respect
