Barclays in Zambia

Barclays Business Banking Services in Zambia

Our aim is to build close relationships with our customers, based on an understanding of the key issues in your world. We want you to turn to Barclays first for the solution to your banking needs.

The close bond between Barclays local and foreign offices ensures that professional staff are available to provide support or advice on complex issues, ensuring that the Group's highest standards of service are constantly maintained.

Strong ties with correspondent banks also enable the Bank to carry out transactions in countries where the Barclays name is not represented. This means that we can also provide comprehensive support to the increasing number of larger businesses with pan-African operations, who may be seeking to co-ordinate their banking arrangements throughout Africa.

Our capability is enhanced by the use of the latest fibre-optic and satellite technology, which allows on-line handling of domestic transactions. This provides our customers with real time banking, wherever they transact within the Country.

We seek to build long-term relationships with our clients by providing services with integrity and commitment to help clients deliver a return to their shareholders. Our goal is to ensure that we offer clients and customers the best product, services and advice at all times.

A Flexible Range of Business Banking Services

As long-standing specialist providers of business banking services, we understand the expectations that Business customers have of their bank.

Barclays in Zambia, we offer a comprehensive range of financial products and packages, and our considerable resources and commitment to the country mean that we are able to offer Business customers tailor-made quality services. Our core banking services have been developed to meet the needs of many different types of business.

Commercial Lending Products

We offer an extensive range of lending products, including:

overdraft facilities for periods of up to 12 months, tailored to meet your specific borrowing requirements;
lease finance for periods of up to 36 months either to acquire specific assets or as part of structured finance packages:
short and medium-term loans, available for between one and five years, for businesses seeking to borrowing funds for capital expenditure requirements;
for businesses interested in borrowing in foreign currency for medium and long-term projects we are able to access funds through our contacts with the European Investment bank (EIB), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the French Development Corporation (PROPARCO) and the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC).

Trade and export finance

Zambia's businesses rely on international trade which brings with it the need for foreign currency and, in particular, export and trade finance products. Our Treasury Department at head office provides specialised services to meet these needs including:

forward contracts for businesses concerned about the fluctuations in the exchange rate. These contracts may be used to cover import payments, export receipts and dividend payments;
acceptance credits provide funds at advantageous interest rates for businesses which require short-term funds quickly;
Barclays is represented in over 50 countries worldwide which means that we can transfer funds to meet payments by using our own branches or our extensive network of agents in Zambia and abroad. The Bank is also linked to the SWIFT system for;
letters of credit;
trade, customs, tender and performance guarantees.

Electronic banking

Barclays has invested significantly in Information Technology to facilitate electronic cash movement, automated on-line cashier terminals and centralised database processing facilities. Recently launched Cash Machines allow personal customers 24 hour access to cash and basic banking services.

During 1995 we introduced BusinessMaster International, an electronic cash management system which links the customer's computer to the Bank's financial system. Its three main features are balance and transaction reporting, money transfers and electronic mail services.

Other Specialised Services

Our Corporate Teams provide financial services in support of the development of the capital market in Zambia, including:

Corporate finance; advice on flotations; receiving bank services; global custody services; custodial and settlement services for local investors as well as collecting bank and registrar services.
In 1998 we introduced Prestige Banking, an exclusive personalised banking service for customers who prefer this option. Our Prestige Banking Centres in Kitwe, Lusaka, Mufulira, Chingola, Ndola and Kabwe are run by hand picked and highly trained members of staff in a relaxed atmosphere.