Chief Executive Officer of the First Citizens Group Karen Darbasie has been appointed as the new president of the Bankers Association of T&T (BATT).
She takes up the mantle from immediate past president Nigel Baptiste, Managing Director, Republic Bank Ltd and brings over two decades of banking expertise to her new position.
Darbasie will serve as BATT’s president for the next two years.
During her inaugural speech Darbasie reiterated the importance of the local banking sector and its widespread impact domestically.
She also affirmed her intent to ensure that this impact is always considered in BATT’s deliberations and endeavours.
Darbasie noted several areas that BATT will give priority to, including a push for the speedy passage of legislation to satisfy global standards and work on the transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes.
BATT is also seeking to ensure the implementation of common agreed measures against money laundering and financial terrorism.
Darbasie said the organisation will continue its Know Your Customer—KYC-Blockchain initiative, which will result in all banks sharing one customer database for greater efficiencies across the board and cost savings.
BATT’s executive director Kelly Bute-Seaton who also spoke underscored the integral role of the banks to this country’s socio-economic development.
Bute-Seaton said Darbasie will continue to advance BATT’s efforts in strengthening the banking sector and the wider financial services industry.
Darbasie joined First Citizens four years ago, after a successful tenure at Citibank where she served as its first female managing director.
Her appointment as first female chief executive officer of the First Citizens Group, has been marked by significant achievements such as a group-wide organisational transformation exercise, and significant efforts toward the advancement of women and girls.