From Inauguration to the Present Day
BI's operations have always aimed to be the preferred and reference bank for its clients, offering a range of dynamic and flexible products and services, with a clear focus on the Cape Verdean business segment.
In February 1998, CGD inaugurated a Branch in Cape Verde to take advantage of the potential of a developing economy and contribute to the dynamization of the local financial system.
The Branch complemented CGD's existing presence in the territory, which had previously existed in the form of a Representative Office of the former Banco Nacional Ultramarino.
In 1999, the Branch was transformed into a Cape Verdean-registered bank under the name Banco Interatlântico, S.A., with CGD holding 70% of its share capital. The remaining shares were distributed among a group of local entrepreneurs and companies.
Composed of a young and dynamic team committed to the Bank's development, BI's entire operation has been geared toward being the preferred and reference bank for its clients, offering a range of dynamic and flexible products and services, with a clear focus on the Cape Verdean business segment.
As part of its selective expansion policy, with the opening of branches in areas with greater economic development potential and business growth, BI has a total of 9 branches and 2 offices, with 5 concentrated on Santiago Island, one in São Vicente, two in Sal, and one on Boa Vista Island.
Committed to providing high levels of service and a comprehensive range of products and services, Banco Interatlântico, SA has particularly stood out in the area of payment systems, playing a significant role in expanding the country's banking automation network (ATMs and POS).
BI has also invested in card issuance (debit and credit) and was a pioneer in the national market with the launch of a Vinti4 network debit card exclusively for the female segment.
In mid-2008, through the Stock Exchange (BVC), Banco Interatlântico, S.A. issued subordinated bonds worth 500,000 Cape Verdean escudos, marking the first public subscription issuance of subordinated bonds in Cape Verde.
On April 20, 2010, Banco Interatlântico, SA increased its share capital from 600,000,000 to 1,000,000,000 CVE, with CGD maintaining its 70% stake. This capital increase strengthened BI’s equity in response to new requirements arising from IAS in Cape Verde.
To enhance its ability to finance the economy, Banco Interatlântico, SA signed agreements with AFD – the French Development Agency – and SOFID – the Development Financing Society – which boosted financing capacity for municipalities and small and medium-sized enterprises, respectively.
It is worth highlighting that these agreements also include a commitment to promoting good corporate governance principles and encouraging the application of high social and environmental sustainability standards. A key factor in project evaluation is its impact on local development (job creation, knowledge transfer, professional training, wealth distribution to local populations, environmental impact, etc.).
Banco Interatlântico, S.A. is highly recognized in the field of social responsibility for its actions, particularly its involvement as a sponsor in events and projects aimed at collecting contributions to continuously improve social causes in various areas, such as education, culture, health, and sports.
2015 was marked by the launch of the first Sustainability Report by a bank in Cape Verde, presented in May. This report reflects Banco Interatlântico, SA’s social responsibility, business model sustainability, and corporate positioning.
Since 2015, the Bank has been able to reduce overdue credit, showing a significant improvement in key economic and financial indicators.
In 2018, the Bank completed the repayment of a subordinated debt loan of 500,000,000 escudos.
The year 2019 marked the culmination of improvements achieved up to that point, allowing the Bank to reach a net profit of approximately 477,000,000 escudos, the best result in Banco Interatlântico, S.A.'s history. That same year, the Bank celebrated its 20th anniversary.
The year 2020 was defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced everyone to adapt to a new reality. To overcome the challenges, the Bank relied on the professionalism and dedication of its employees, enabling it to respond to customer requests as efficiently as possible under extreme circumstances, with no service disruptions recorded.
Despite the challenges, Banco Interatlântico closed 2020 with very positive developments in its key business indicators, further solidifying and strengthening its position as the reference bank of the Caixa Geral de Depósitos Group in Cape Verde.
In the second half of 2021, the Bank began its transition to new facilities following corporate decisions and resolutions from its General Assembly. The relocation process was completed by the end of March 2023, with all main services operating in the new premises.
Over the past few years, Banco Interatlântico, SA, has been recognized with the following award:
The Banker
Bank of the Year Cabo Verde in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Global Banking & Finance Review Best Commercial Bank Cabo Verde in 2017, 2018, and 2019
Best Retail Bank Cap Verde in 2020, 2021, and 2022
Best Corporate Bank Cape Verde in 2020 and 2022
Best Corporate Governance Bank Cape Verde in 2020, 2021, and 2022
Banking Customer Satisfaction & Happiness Cabo Verde in 2021
Decade of Excellence Banking Group Cabo Verde in 2021 and 2022
Best CSR Bank Cape Verde in 2022
Best Private Bank Cape Verde in 2022