The London-based Ghana International Bank (GHIB) today opened its second annual, four-day Risk Management in Banks and Implications for Capital programme in Accra.

There are 25 bankers and senior executives attending the programme from the West African region.

Commenting at the opening, the 1st Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Bank of Ghana (BoG) and Director of GHIB, Mr Millison Narh said, "Banks must hold sufficient capital to absorb unexpected losses. Risk management and implications for capital is a critical part of this process."

"At the central bank we recognise the role that banks play in the economy and we are constantly reviewing prudential rules that cover the quantity and quality of capital, the basis for liquidity and counterparty risks," he added. 

GHIB has been in existence for over 50 years London, the world’s leading financial centre. GHIB is unique in that it is Ghanaian owned bank authorised by the UK Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the PRA.

Commenting on the opening, the Chief Executive and Managing Director of GHIB, Mr Joe Mensah, said, "I am delighted that we are able to deliver this programme for a second consecutive year."

"Through such programmes, GHIB is able to share with the banking community with which we work contemporary issues and best practices in banking," Mr Mensah said. 

GHIB focuses on four key areas: international trade finance, correspondent and corporate banking, treasury and transactional banking services. For organisations doing business in Africa, the bank provides a gateway to the global financial system, providing access and expertise, capital and extensive cross-border capabilities.

The bank’s exposure in the region has been growing rapidly and is currently in excess of $350m. The growth in GHIB’s African operation is reflected in the surge in both the bank’s balance sheet that has more than doubled in the past ten years and its pre-tax profits which has increased fivefold during the same period. The bank is considered a top tier bank in the London market in terms of profitability and operational efficiency.

Mr Mark Arthur, Executive Director at the Bank said, "Banks must learn the lessons of the 2008 financial crisis. Holding adequate capital to underpin a Bank’s balance sheet is not enough.

"It must have sufficient high-quality liquid assets to meet its obligations as and when they fall due in stressed periods. To do this effectively banks must identify, measure their risks and understand their implications on their capital," he added.