Mzansi’s Rand Merchant Bank is now a global player as it now operates from the big apple, New York. The move is part of the company strategy to facilitate greater US business flows into the African continent. The company is joining the likes of HSBC, JP Morgan Chase, City Bank and others that operate internationally.
FirstRand Bank, the parent company of RMB, has received all necessary approvals from the United States Federal Reserve Board and New York State Department of Financial Services.
According to RMB chief executive officer, Emrie Brown said that foreign investors are increasingly turning to Africa, with its vast natural resources, extensive markets, young population, and excellent technological prospects.
The African Continental Free Trade Area agreement will also ease access into Africa, stimulate intra-regional trade and boost growth.
“The new office will link investors in the United States with Africa’s extensive business opportunities. As an established, on-the-ground corporate and investment bank with offices across the African continent, we understand the challenges and regulatory environments for business success in Africa, said Brown.
“We are particularity well-placed to drive investment into the continent thanks to the advisory expertise we have developed since RMB’s establishment in 1984.”
Brown added that the bank will work with US-headquartered multinational corporations with African subsidiaries, non-governmental corporations, as well as US corporates with no African presence that intend to engage in business or establish themselves in Africa.
“RMB will be able to act as trusted adviser for our existing and future US clients so that they can take advantage of our innovative product offerings within the environment in which they wish to operate.
“As a division of FirstRand Bank, we can offer investors longer tenors due to our large capital base, access to deep expertise on the continent, an impeccable compliance record and due diligence skills and processes that are firmly in place,” she added.