WHEN it comes to Bred Bank, "it is all about you" says its chief executive officer Satish Deb.
Being the first local to head a foreign bank, Mr Deb is oozing with confidence and enthusiasm to get the ball rolling.
And he doesn't have much time ù in less than three months, the Bred Bank will lift the cover on what it is all about.
"There are challenges when you are starting a new bank from scratch and getting the right people," he said. "But I am very optimistic we'll be successful."
Finally, coming out of his cocoon and granting an interview with Times Business, Mr Deb did not reveal much though, keeping some information close to his chest. Of course, with the tough competition in the banking industry, he needs to play his cards right.
But he emphasised they would be different.
"Our slogan says ù 'it is all about you' ù and it's for the customers, the staff members and all stakeholders.
"Of course, our focus would be sales driven, we will bring in innovative products that would be tailor-made for our customers' needs. Our focus is to offer products and services which provide superior value to the Fiji market.
"Our aim is to please the Fiji banking market," said Mr Deb, who has 29 years of banking experience behind him.
Since his appointment on February 1, 2012, Mr Deb who holds a Master of Business Administration, has the responsibility of finding the right 50 people who will start off the bank ¡ ¡ù the staff members selected will make the desired difference in the banking industry.
"The Bred Bank policy is that its employees must be 100 per cent local so we have been receiving a lot of interests for the jobs we have advertised," Mr Deb said.
By June 15, the bank will start training the staff members in preparation for its major opening on September 1.
Its first branch would be at the MHCC in Suva while in the next 12 months, Mr Deb said branches would open in Nadi, Lautoka, Ba and Nausori.
While competition is good as stated by Mr Deb and his competitors, why did Bred Bank choose Fiji to open shop?
According to Mr Deb, Bred Bank had been "studying" Fiji for the past two years before making its decision.
Being part of the second largest banking and finance group in France, Bred Bank, he said had made a significant decision to invest in the country and contribute to its economic development.
And he has no doubts, the bank would also attract investments in the country.