Following the allegations made by certain press outlets against it and its management, the Management of RAWBANK SA wishes to clarify the following:
- Regarding Rawbank’s alleged acceptance of payments in gold and/or diamonds made by its customers.
The legislation of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and particularly that governing the activities of credit institutions, does not authorize commercial banks to receive such payments or to store these precious metals.
Rawbank has therefore never carried out these activities in any capacity.
In accordance with the foreign exchange regulations in force in the Democratic Republic of Congo, RAWBANK only validates export documents for precious metals on behalf of its customers.
- Financing the projects and activities of economic agents.
RAWBANK SA is a non-partisan banking institution whose mission is to finance the economy by collecting public savings and granting loans.
The only projects and activities we accept for financing are those that best meet the requirements set by the regulations in force in the Democratic Republic of Congo and our Policies on Credit, the fight against money laundering, the financing of terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as well as environmental and social risk management.
- On the Shareholding of RAWBANK SA.
Under Congolese law, the presence of offshore companies
in the shareholding of a commercial bank is not prohibited, provided they meet the eligibility requirements set by law.
The companies holding the capital of RAWBANK SA are entities of good repute and fully capable of conducting business in their country of incorporation, and regularly fulfill all their obligations, particularly tax obligations.
This is evidenced by the fact that their investment in the capital of our institution was validated and approved by the Central Bank of Congo.
Furthermore, RAWBANK SA has never intended to conceal the identity of its true beneficial owners. On the contrary, it has always been transparent on this subject, fully recognizing its relevance, both to its partners and banking correspondents, as well as to its clients and other stakeholders.
- Of KPM FINANCE SA.
The appointment of a managing director of a credit institution as a director of another company is not prohibited when done in compliance with the relevant legal requirements.
Thus, in 2004, Mr. Thierry TAEYMANS joined the Board of Directors of KPM FINANCE, a Belgian public limited company, as a non-active Director. He left in 2005.
He therefore never took part in the active management of this company, nor was he involved in other entities incorporated and/or subsequently affiliated with KPM FINANCE SA.
According to the Belgian Official Gazette, this company filed for bankruptcy in 2012, contrary to some press reports that it was bankrupt due to fraudulent activity.
RAWBANK SA wishes to reassure the public and all its stakeholders of its firm commitment to ensuring and maintaining the transparency of its activities.
It continually strives, under the leadership of its management, to align itself with the highest management and ethical standards.
Determined to continue fulfilling its mission, RAWBANK SA thanks its clients and partners for the trust they continue to place in it and reaffirms its commitment to its mission, namely to be the leading bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Done in Kinshasa, April 9, 2016
COMMUNICATION RAWBANK SA
