CRDB largest lender in term of branches

CRDB Bank has opened two new branches in Lindi to elevate its position to the top lender with the largest network in the country.

The branches means the lender, one of the largest in the land, has a total of 251 brick and mortar branches countrywide. NMB Bank, the immediately challenger, has 228 at the end of this year’s quarter one.

Lindi Regional Commissioner, Zainab Telack said whne inaugurating the CRDB branch in Kilwa district that the lender should increase efforts to educate the people on advatanges of having an account.

“Please bring down interest rates on loans to attract more citizens to use banking services hence pushing financial inclusion up,” Ms Telack said yesterday.

She said the bank should lead others in lowering loan interest rates since it will be easier for the rest to follow because CRDB is one of the largest in the country.

“The banking sector is an important catalyst for national development, so the growth of this sector is very important in promoting the economy while reducing poverty,” she said.

Therefore the sector to be strong and make the intended contribution it needs to have a n ability to reach the masses, especially in the rural.

“Banks should consider the needs of the people and motivate them to realise the importance of using banking services for both personal and nation development,” Ms Taleck said.

CRDB’s Director of Human Resources, Godfrey Rutasingwa, said there are several opportunities offered at branch levels apart from account opening that are tailor-made for a customer.

“For instance, we have a special programme, Imbeju, that cater for giving not only loans to women and young innovators but also offers financial education,” Mr Rutasingwa said.

The lender set aside some 5.0bn/- for Imbeju programme. To benefit from the programme one has to bank with CRDB.