Bankers’ Association of Namibia elects new head

AT its recent annual general meeting, the Bankers’ Association of Namibia (BAN) appointed Bill Turton, Managing Director of Nedbank, as its new president.

He replaces Leonard Haynes, CEO of FNB Namibia, who steps down after having served as BAN president for the past year. Turton thanked the outgoing BAN president on his achievements, adding: “I look forward to continuing such good work and together we, as Bankers Association of Namibia, will engage with all stakeholders and appropriate community representatives to make a meaningful and responsible contribution to our community and country.”Reflecting back on the year, Haynes said: “The past year was both exciting and challenging for the banking industry.The activities of the association were varied and covered topics ranging from money laundering legislation to the Financial Services Charter, where BAN and its members played an instrumental role.”Much attention was also paid to the National Payment System with the Namclear Electronic Funds Transfer performing well, although volumes did not meet expectations.The introduction of Namibia’s Card Switching System [Namswitch] had to be postponed as all members were not in a position to progress as initially agreed.”Haynes also said the motion on high bank charges that was investigated by the Parliamentary Committee on Economics, Natural Resources and Public Administration gave BAN and the individual banks an opportunity to engage the political leadership of the country in a constructive manner.Turton promised to continue with all that had been set in motion.Turton thanked the outgoing BAN president on his achievements, adding: “I look forward to continuing such good work and together we, as Bankers Association of Namibia, will engage with all stakeholders and appropriate community representatives to make a meaningful and responsible contribution to our community and country.”Reflecting back on the year, Haynes said: “The past year was both exciting and challenging for the banking industry.The activities of the association were varied and covered topics ranging from money laundering legislation to the Financial Services Charter, where BAN and its members played an instrumental role.”Much attention was also paid to the National Payment System with the Namclear Electronic Funds Transfer performing well, although volumes did not meet expectations.The introduction of Namibia’s Card Switching System [Namswitch] had to be postponed as all members were not in a position to progress as initially agreed.”Haynes also said the motion on high bank charges that was investigated by the Parliamentary Committee on Economics, Natural Resources and Public Administration gave BAN and the individual banks an opportunity to engage the political leadership of the country in a constructive manner.Turton promised to continue with all that had been set in motion.