CalBank has launched its 35th anniversary celebration with a week-long lineup of events under the theme "Red Week," beginning with a thanksgiving service held at its headquarters in Accra.

The celebration is aimed at reflecting on the bank’s journey, recognizing its milestones, and reaffirming its commitment to customers, staff, and stakeholders.

Speaking to Joy Business, CalBank’s Managing Director, Carl Asem, underscored the importance of the bank’s core values in its growth and resilience over the past three and a half decades.

“Our Red Week is actually reflecting on our values,” Asem explained. “We strongly believe that our values are the ones that have propelled us all these years, since the inception of the Bank.”

He noted that "Red" is more than a symbolic colour for the bank. It also serves as an acronym guiding the institution’s culture and decision-making: R for being Responsible to stakeholders; E for being Effective in daily operations; and D for being Decisive in action.

“How responsible are we to all our stakeholders? Our customers, both external and internal?” he asked. “In reflecting on those values, our day-to-day job must focus on how effective we can be. And the last is being decisive. It's what makes the huge difference of Bismarck.”

Asem also used the opportunity to make a strong case for indigenous banks in Ghana’s financial ecosystem, stressing the vital role they play in national economic stability.

“We always strongly believe that indigenous banks in this country—and everywhere—have a much greater role to play,” he stated. “Any country that relies on foreigners to run their banking system puts itself at great risk.”

He continued, “In terms of support and driving the economy, it’s only the indigenous banks that understand how the country operates and how to provide relevant support. When everything comes down, it’s the indigenous banks who don’t leave. They stay, and they help ensure the economy gets back on track.”

CalBank’s 35-year journey has seen it grow into one of Ghana’s leading indigenous financial institutions, with a strong focus on innovation, customer service, and sustainable banking practices.