History

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Deep Roots

The roots of National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) extend over some 170 years to 1837 when the Colonial Bank of London, England opened its doors on Harbour Street in the flourishing city of Kingston Jamaica. Over the years as the face of banking of Jamaica began to change, and through a series of mergers and acquisitions, the bank eventually emerged in August 1977 as National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited.

Milestones

1925

Colonial Bank along with two other banks were acquired by Barclays Bank of London

Eleven branches islandwide.
Colonial Bank along with two other banks were acquired by Barclays Bank of London. The new organization was incorporated as Barclays Bank (Dominion Colonial and Overseas). Later became Barclays Bank DCO.

1975

Barclays Bank of Jamaica Ltd. takes over Jamaican operation

Barclays Bank DCO transfers its Jamaican operation to a wholly owned subsidiary, Barclays Bank of Jamaica Ltd.

1977

Name changes to National Commercial Bank Jamaica

Government of Jamaica acquires all of Barclays Bank of Jamaica's shares and changes the bank's name to National Commercial Bank Jamaica Ltd.

1981

First Jamaican credit card

First Jamaica credit card Keycard is launched

1983

Deposits $1.0 billion with assets exceeding $1.3 billion

First Jamaican Bank to have deposits in excess of $1.0 billion with assets exceeding $1.3 billion

1983

$1 billion mark

First Jamaican Bank to have deposits in excess of $1.0 billion with assets exceeding $1.3 billion

N.C.B. Group Limited incorporated

N.C.B. Group Limited (a holding company) was incorporated in order to reorganize the structure of NCB and its subsidiaries. NCB Group subsequently acquired all the issued share capital of NCB and its subsidiaries.

1986

Owned by National Investment Bank of Jamaica (NIBJ)

National Investment Bank of Jamaica (NIBJ), a Government owned company, acquired the entire issued share capital of NCB Group.
NIBJ offered for sale 30,600,000 ordinary shares of $1.00 each in NCB Group, of which 26,683,560 were offered to the public at $2.95 per share and the remainder was made available to the Trustees of the Employee Share Scheme.
N.C.B. Group was listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

1991

NIBJ sold a further 6,000,000 ordinary shares of $1.00 each to the Trustees .

NIBJ sold a further 6,000,000 ordinary shares of $1.00 each to the Trustees of the Employee Share Scheme.
Restrictions barring any person or connected group of persons from having an interest in more than 7 1/2% of the issued capital of NCB Group, were removed by an Act of Parliament, The N.C.B. Group Limited (Alteration of Memorandum and Articles of Association) Act, 1991.

1992

NIBJ sold the remaining 23,395,420 shares of $1.00 each in the Company (39%) to Jamaica M&N Investments Limited, a company then owned jointly by Jamaica Mutual Life Assurance Society and Jamaica National Building Society which was a wholly owned subsidiary of Mutual Life.
The Company made a bonus issue of 3 ordinary shares of $1.00 each for every 1 ordinary stock unit of $1.00 previously in issue. The issue was made through the capitalization of $180 million from the capital reserve. Each stock unit in issue after this bonus issue was subsequently divided into 2 stock units of 50 cents each.

1992

NIBJ sold the remaining 23,395,420 shares of $1.00 each in the Company (39%) to Jamaica M&N Investments Limited, a company then owned jointly by Jamaica Mutual Life Assurance Society and Jamaica National Building Society which was a wholly owned subsidiary of Mutual Life.
The Company made a bonus issue of 3 ordinary shares of $1.00 each for every 1 ordinary stock unit of $1.00 previously in issue. The issue was made through the capitalization of $180 million from the capital reserve. Each stock unit in issue after this bonus issue was subsequently divided into 2 stock units of 50 cents each.

1993

Right issue of 10 million ordinary shares to stockholders on record

Right issue of 10 million ordinary shares to stockholders on record as at July 5, 1993. The issue was fully underwritten by the West Indies Trust Company in its capacity as Trustee of the NCB Employees Pension Fund. Approximately two-thirds of the shares comprised in the rights issue was taken up by the underwriters. By virtue of this rights issue, the number of issued shares in the Company increased to 490,000,000 ordinary stock units of 50 cents each.

The Company made a take-over bid to acquire all of the issued capital of Mutual Security Bank Limited (previously a subsidiary of Mutual Life), by way of an exchange of shares at the rate of 4 NCB Group stock units for every 3 MSB stock units held and on the basis that odd shares be acquired for cash at the rate of $12.00 per share. In response to the take-over bid, acceptances were received from MSB stockholders, holding 95.6% of its shares. The remainders of the MSB shares were subsequently acquired in accordance with section 195 (1) of the Companies Act. In total, 210,602,656 NCB Group shares were issued to acquire the stock units of MSB.

1996

NCB merges with Mutual Security Bank Jamaica Limited, thus becoming a dominant force in the financial sector.

NCB merges with Mutual Security Bank Jamaica Limited, thus becoming a dominant force in the financial sector.

2000

NCB Group Shareholders approved a Scheme of Arrangement put forward by the NCB Group Board

NCB Group Shareholders approved a Scheme of Arrangement put forward by the NCB Group Board, and as a result, received one ordinary share in the Bank in exchange for each ordinary share held in NCB Group Limited.
The Bank's shares became tradable on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, replacing the old NCB Group Limited shares. National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited is the new parent Company of the reorganised NCB Banking Group, the other companies being, NCB (Investments) Ltd., Omni Insurance Services Ltd., Edward Gayle and Co. Ltd., West Indies Trust Co. Ltd., Data Cap Processing Ltd., NCB Jamaica (Nominees) Ltd., and NCB Cayman Ltd., all of which are financial service entities.

2002

AIC Limited acquired approximately 75% of the shareholding in the Bank from FINSAC

AIC Limited acquired approximately 75% of the shareholding in the Bank from FINSAC. With this acquisition, Jamaican-born Canadian businessman Michael Lee Chin became NCB's Chairman.
NCB launched Jamaica's first 'Drive Thru' Automated Banking Machine (ABM).
NCB Payroll Plus - a new consumer loan scheme is launched
e-FINANCIAL SERVICES launched: a state-of-the-art customer call Center; Internet banking, Short Messaging Services (SMS) and telephone banking by dialing 1-888-NCB-FIRST
The MSB Foundation and NCB Project Lifeline merged and renamed to form the N.C.B. Foundation.

2003

NCB is listed on the T&T Stock Exchange
Jamaica Education Initiative (JEI) started whereby 1% of cost of purchases made using Key Card went towards education initiatives such as scholarships, school infrastructure, facilitated by the N.C.B. Foundation.

2004

NCB-SME product launched

NCB-SME product launched - a suite of financial services and solutions for small and medium enterprises - SME Unit established
NCB partners with the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association in their "Buy Jamaican, Build Jamaica" campaign

2005

NCB Wellness and Recreation Center was officially opened

NCB Wellness and Recreation Center was officially opened. The facility was formerly known as the NCB Employees' Sports Club, but was renamed to encapsulate the additional benefits

2007

The Jamaica Exporters' Association recognized NCB as the top financial institution for 2006

The Jamaica Exporters' Association recognized NCB as the top financial institution for 2006 under the Exporter's Support Services, Financial category
NCB is awarded LatinFinance's 2007 Best Bank of the Year
Winner of the Jamaica Stock Exchange Best Practices Award for Corporate Disclosure and Investor Relations.

2008

NCB receives the Manchester Chamber of Commerce 2007 award for Banking and Finance

NCB receives the Manchester Chamber of Commerce 2007 award for Banking and Finance
Winner Jamaica Stock Exchange Best Practices for Corporate Disclosure and Investor Relations and Governor General Award for Excellence.
Jamaica Employers' Federation Private Sector Corporate Social Responsibility Award
The Banker Awards' Bank of the Year 2008
Global Finance Jamaica Best Foreign Exchange Provider
NCB introduces first on-line loan application for credit card and loan applications
NCB Staff Training Center registered as tertiary level institution by the University Council of Jamaica; renamed Corporate Learning Campus (CLC)
Introduced Utility Bill Payment option at ABMs (JPSCo and NWC)
Launch of the NCB SME Nation Builder Awards highlighting entrepreneurial excellence and strong community involvement by local businesses.
Relocation of NCB Mandeville Branch to new facilities at 6 Perth Road
Opening of NCB Port Antonio Branch

2010

Wins Latin Finance: Best Bank Of The Year

The Banker Awards: Bank of the Year, Jamaica
World Finance: Most Innovative Bank, Jamaica
World Finance: Best Banking Group, Jamaica
World Finance: Best Pension Fund Manager in the Region- NCB Insurance
Latin Finance: Best Bank of the Year
HRMAJ Golden Leader in HR: Innovation Award
Jamaica Stock Exchange: Best Annual Report
Jamaica Stock Exchange: Corporate Disclosure
Jamaica Stock Exchange: Investor Relations
Jamaica Stock Exchange: Website Stockbrokerage
Jamaica Stock Exchange: Governor General’s Award for Excellence
Private Sector of Jamaica/Jamaica Stock Exchange Award for Corporate Governance
Project Management Institute of Jamaica: Project Organization of the Year
Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEAs): Winner Exporters’ Support Services Financial Category (a recognition we have proudly received for the past four years)
JEF : Good Corporate Citizenship
Jamaica Red Cross: Invaluable contribution to facilitate the improvement of lives in Jamaica
United Way of Jamaica: Largest Corporate Contributor

2011

NCB Wins Global Banking and Finance Award

Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA): Top Exporters’ Support Services in the Financial Services Category 5th consecutive year.
Private Sector/Jamaica Customer Service Association - Service Excellence Award (Inaugural)
Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE): Corporate Governance Award
Project Management Institute of Jamaica – Project Organization of the Year
World Finance Award - Best Pension Fund Managers of the Year for the Caribbean
World Finance Awards – Best Banking Group Jamaica
Banker - Best Bank of the Year Jamaica
EuroMoney Award for Excellence
Latin Finance – Bank of the Year 2011
Global Banking and Finance Award – Best Jamaica 2011

2012

NCB Wins Banker 'Best Bank Of The Year' Award for a 5th Consecutive Year

Latin Finance - Best Bank of the Year (Third consecutive year)
Global Banking & Finance Review – Best Pension Fund Manager
Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA): Top Exporters’ Support Services in the Financial Services Category 6th consecutive year.

2013

NCB Wins International Global Banking And Finance award

World Finance – Best Investment Management Company in the Caribbean – Awarded to NCB Capital Markets Limited
Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA): Best Financial Services Support Award category 7th consecutive year.
Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica’s (HRMAJ) – Golden Leader Award for Innovation for a third consecutive year.
International Global Banking and Finance – Best Commercial Bank 2013 – Jamaica
Jamaica Stock Exchange – Corporate Governance (4th consecutive year; joint winner for 2013) Best Annual Report (3rd consecutive year) and Governor General’s Best Practices Award

2014

NCB Wins Best Retail Bank for 2014

World Finance Magazine - Best Investment Management Company Caribbean – NCB Capital Markets Limited
Latin Finance - Bank of the Year Jamaica 2014
Capital Finance International - Best SME Bank Caribbean 2014
Global Banking and Finance Review - Best Banking Group Jamaica
Project Management Institute of Jamaica – Project Management Organisation of the Year (roll out of Bank on the Go)
Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA): Best Financial Services Support Award category 8th consecutive year 2006-2014.
Appliance Traders Limited (ATL) Automotive – Bank of the Year 2014
Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) market share position report for 2013 - ranked NCB Capital Markets Limited (NCBCM) number one among brokers for the Regular Market competitors for value and volume of transactions completed during 2013
Bank of New York Mellonaward - NCB Treasury &Correspondent Banking Division in recognition of achieving a 95.28% straight through processing rate for payments processed.
Jamaica Stock Exchange Best Practices Awards: Winner - Member Dealers Revenue Generation (NCBCM), Corporate Governance and GG's Award (joint with Sagicor).1st runners up for Annual Report (joint), Corporate Disclosure and website.
International Finance Magazine: Best Retail Bank, Caribbean 2014

2015

NCB Wins Best Retail Bank Award for 2015

World Finance: Best Pension Fund Caribbean 2015 – NCB Insurance Company Limited
World Finance Banking Awards - Best Commercial Bank, Jamaica 2015
World Finance Awards - Best Retail Bank, Jamaica 2015
Global Finance – Safest Bank Jamaica 2015
AMCHAM – Business & Civic Leadership Award Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility Large Organisation Category 2015
Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA): Best Financial Services Support Award category 9th consecutive year 2006-2015
The Banker – Bank of the Year 2015, Jamaica

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As a seasoned expert in the field, I'm well-versed in the intricacies of financial institutions, particularly those with extensive histories and transformations. In this context, let me delve into the comprehensive information provided about the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) and its evolution over the years.

The roots of NCB trace back to 1837 when the Colonial Bank of London, England, opened its doors in Kingston, Jamaica. Over the years, the bank underwent significant changes, culminating in its emergence as National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited in August 1977. Here are the key concepts and milestones covered in the article:

Colonial Bank and Barclays Bank:
- In 1925, Colonial Bank, along with two other banks, was acquired by Barclays Bank of London.
- The new organization was incorporated as Barclays Bank (Dominion Colonial and Overseas).
Transition to NCB:
- In 1975, Barclays Bank of Jamaica Ltd. took over the Jamaican operation.
- In 1977, the Government of Jamaica acquired all shares of Barclays Bank of Jamaica, renaming it National Commercial Bank Jamaica Ltd.
Key Milestones:
- 1981: Introduction of the first Jamaican credit card, Keycard.
- 1983: NCB became the first Jamaican bank to have deposits exceeding $1.0 billion with assets exceeding $1.3 billion.
- 1985: NCB Group Limited, a holding company, was incorporated.
- 1986: NCB Group was owned by the National Investment Bank of Jamaica (NIBJ).
- 1992: NIBJ sold its shares to Jamaica M&N Investments Limited, leading to a bonus issue and stock unit division.
Merger and Expansion:
- In 1996, NCB merged with Mutual Security Bank Jamaica Limited, strengthening its position in the financial sector.
Corporate Restructuring:
- In 2000, NCB Group shareholders approved a scheme of arrangement, making National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited the new parent company.
Acquisition by AIC Limited:
- In 2002, AIC Limited acquired approximately 75% of the shareholding in the bank from FINSAC.
- Jamaican-born Canadian businessman Michael Lee Chin became NCB's Chairman.
Technological Advancements:
- In 2002, NCB launched Jamaica's first 'Drive Thru' Automated Banking Machine (ABM) and introduced e-Financial Services.
- The bank embraced online services, including internet banking, short messaging services (SMS), and telephone banking.
Recognition and Awards:
- NCB received numerous awards over the years, recognizing its excellence in various categories, including banking, financial services, corporate governance, and social responsibility.
Subsequent Developments:
- The article covers developments up to 2015, including awards, recognitions, and ongoing initiatives related to the bank's social responsibility and community involvement.

This comprehensive overview demonstrates the depth of NCB's history, its evolution through mergers and acquisitions, and its commitment to innovation and excellence in the financial sector.