RCBank Cline Town Opens Under Gilpin

By Yusuf Ibrahim Kamara

In a remarkable demonstration of visionary leadership and institutional growth, Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) under the stewardship of its Managing Director, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, has officially opened a new branch in Cline Town, Freetown. The unveiling of the modern banking facility took place on Monday, July 28, 2025, and drew a cross-section of dignitaries, including officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Sierra Leone, business stakeholders, and loyal customers.

The opening ceremony marked another strategic milestone in RCB’s nationwide expansion agenda one driven by innovation, digital inclusivity, and a robust commitment to financial accessibility. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Gilpin emphasized that the new branch should not only be seen as a physical extension of the Bank’s operations but a manifestation of RCB’s integration into Sierra Leone’s macroeconomic development framework.

“This is more than just a building. It is a step toward enhancing financial stability, promoting inclusion, and stimulating economic activity, especially in communities that have long been underserved,” Dr. Gilpin stated.

He also praised the synergetic relationship between Rokel Commercial Bank, the Ministry of Finance, and the Central Bank of Sierra Leone the latter being the key regulator responsible for maintaining monetary stability, implementing financial policies, and managing inflation.

Central to Dr. Gilpin’s address was the advancement of RCB’s digital infrastructure, particularly the Rokel Sim Korpor platform which has been successfully integrated into the national payment switch. This innovation, he explained, has accelerated the circulation of money within the economy and has become a vital tool in driving economic growth and financial inclusion.

“While we continue to welcome large scale businesses, we also remain fully committed to the financial inclusion policy that brings informal workers into the formal banking sector. Many are already engaging with our digital products and services,” Dr. Gilpin highlighted.

In a bold revelation, Dr. Gilpin disclosed that RCB is finalizing plans to open its first regional branch in neighboring Liberia a move he believes will not only raise the Bank’s profile in the West African financial ecosystem but also increase trust among international investors and corporations operating in Sierra Leone.

“As we adopt a regional posture, we envision RCB becoming a preferred financial partner for international businesses. This would also consolidate Sierra Leone’s position within the broader African banking market,” he added.

Dr. Gilpin took the opportunity to commend President Julius Maada Bio for his unwavering support to RCB and hailed the Government’s non-interference stance in the bank’s operational autonomy. He acknowledged this independence as key to fostering institutional integrity, innovation, and public trust.

Representing the Central Bank of Sierra Leone, Mr. John A. Tucker described RCB’s expansion into Cline Town as a commendable response to the Government’s democratization of financial services.

“This opening aligns with our national vision of expanding banking access to the grassroots. It supports our drive toward financial inclusion and a more resilient national economy,” Mr. Tucker noted.

Mr. M.A. Jalloh, a longstanding customer of RCB, applauded the Bank for its consistent delivery of innovative services and its prioritization of customer satisfaction.

“The management and staff of Rokel Commercial Bank continue to set high standards in the banking industry. Their dedication to excellence is evident in every service they offer,” Jalloh said.

The newly appointed Branch Manager for Cline Town, Mr. Mohamed Lungay, also weighed in on the milestone, attributing the achievement to Dr. Gilpin’s customer-centered leadership style.

“It is a great honor to manage this branch under such inspirational leadership. Our mission is to make banking accessible, friendly, and responsive to community needs,” Lungay emphasized.

In a final show of appreciation, Mr. Hijazi, a representative of ROCKCEM, welcomed the strategic location of the new branch, citing its proximity to their production facility as a major convenience.

“We value not just the location but also the consistent, reliable customer service that RCB is known for. This expansion is a win for both business and the wider Cline Town community,” Mr. Hijazi remarked.

As Rokel Commercial Bank continues to extend its footprint across Sierra Leone and beyond, the institution stands as a testament to how visionary leadership and public-private collaboration can transform financial landscapes, drive development, and empower communities.