

81
BANKING & FINANCE
Achievements
Over the years, the Baiduri Bank Group has been
recognised by many international publications.
In 2018, Baiduri was announced as the Best
Banking Group for Brunei by World Finance, the
Bank of The Year for Brunei by The Banker, as
well as the Domestic Retail Bank for Brunei by
Asian Banking and Finance. Baiduri was also
recognised for having the Credit Card Initiative
of the Year for Brunei by the Asian Banking and
Finance magazine.
One contributing factor is Baiduri’s major
upgrade of its branch network. The bank has
established bigger premises to serve its loyal
and dynamic customer base. Baiduri relocated
its Serusop, Tanjung Bunut, Kiulap and Seria
branches as well as developed a business hub to
cater to corporates and budding entrepreneurs.
A second factor is Baiduri Bank Group’s
uncompromising outlook on security. The
integrity of its customers’ data is of the utmost
importance. Baiduri is the first and only bank in
Brunei to be Payment Card Industry Data Security
Standard (PCI-DSS) certified. The PCI-DSS is a
recommendation imposed on Baiduri by the card
brands Mastercard and Visa.
A Truly Green Bank that Gives
The last few years have seen new developments
for Baiduri, including the construction of new
headquarters. In keeping with being a socially
responsible bank, Baiduri has laid the foundation
of the new headquarters, which is said to
incorporate sustainable, energy-efficient and
environmentally-friendly features.
Over the years, the Baiduri Bank Group ran
a number of initiatives contributing back to
society in many different ways. These include
Baiduri’s annual charity golf tournament, the
Baiduri Masters. The group raises funds for local
charities that cater to individuals with special
needs to alleviate their financial burden.
Other initiatives include the Let’s Give Back This
Ramadhan campaigns in which Baiduri personnel
help clean and repair a section of a home for a
deserving family as well as treat underprivileged
families in all four districts to groceries and
dinner.
The group also sponsors several organisations
and activities at varying levels that target
community development.
“We also have a goal of increasing financial
literacy in our community and this includes
providing access to financial planners and
holding a series of seminars and roadshows
with that specific aim. In that respect, among
many activities, we are the major sponsor of the
Junior Achievement Programme here in Brunei,
a global non-profit youth programme which aims
to develop financial literacy, work readiness
and entrepreneurship among students. Besides
providing financial support, Baiduri staff also
volunteer as facilitators in schools,” said Imhof.
Tailor-Made for Bruneians
As a banking group that is always aware of
the market and clients’ needs, Baiduri has
meticulously vetted and selected products and
services to suit its customers’ needs.
“We have a very diverse customer base and this
requires us to design a wide range of banking
products and services to satisfy the diverse needs
of the people of Brunei. We design our products
with a balanced approach between classic
banking services and the most technologically
advanced services, such as internet and mobile
banking,” said Imhof.
In keeping with the ebb and flow of technological
advancement, the digitisation of services for the
bank is their absolute priority. However, branch
banking is also important, particularly in terms of
providing personalised financial advice in face-
to-face meetings.
Diversification Drive
With its large excess liquidity, the Baiduri
Bank Group is able to contribute to the nation’s
economic diversification. As a local bank with
excess liquidity, Baiduri responds swiftly to its
clients’ requests, whether local or international,
to invest in diversification projects in Brunei.
Baiduri provides investors and corporates with a
full range of banking services and financing such
as Working Capital Financing, Trade Financing,
Project Financing, Fixed Asset Acquisitions and
Banker’s Guarantee.
Baiduri works closely with local and foreign
investors through their working relationship with
the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) and
Darussalam Assets (DARe). On the home front,
Baiduri works with DARe and Asia Inc Forum in
the Local Business Development workshop for
small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Baiduri recently partnered with Brunei Shell
Petroleum (BSP) in their BSP Credit Facility
Program. This programme allows current and
future local contractors of BSP who meet the
programme’s criteria to get fast track service
in the reviewing and decision process of their
respective credit applications.