RC Bank Renews Media Alliance

By Rahman

Sierra Leone’s Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to a strong, principled and mutually beneficial relationship with the media, describing journalists as indispensable partners in national development, financial literacy and economic stability.

Speaking at the RCBank “Meet and Greet with Members of the Fourth Estate” in Freetown, Dr. Gilpin said the relationship between the bank and the media must be grounded in trust, honesty, professionalism and shared responsibility. He stressed that constructive criticism should be seen not as an attack, but as a vital ingredient for institutional growth.

He noted that the media plays a central role in shaping public perception, both locally and internationally, adding that how Sierra Leone and its institutions are portrayed at home influences how citizens are treated abroad and how the country is viewed by international partners.

Dr. Gilpin said RCBank’s mission goes beyond profit-making to promoting sound financial management and financial literacy among citizens. He emphasized that this goal cannot be achieved without a responsible and informed media capable of translating complex banking concepts into language the public can understand.

He assured journalists that the bank is not seeking to weaken the media’s watchdog role, but rather to encourage factual, balanced and constructive engagement. According to him, dialogue and accurate reporting help institutions correct mistakes faster than sensationalism or personal attacks.

Reflecting on the bank’s past, Dr. Gilpin recalled a period when inefficiency, internal conflict and public mistrust caused many Sierra Leoneans to prefer foreign-owned banks. He said his appointment marked a deliberate effort to rebuild confidence, professionalism and global standards within RCBank.

Drawing on his international banking experience across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean, he said his vision was to transform RCBank into a competitive institution capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with any bank globally.

He explained that transparency and media engagement were central to the bank’s reform process, noting that rebuilding credibility required openness, accountability and the courage to tell the bank’s story truthfully.

Dr. Gilpin said RCBank now operates strictly on sound banking principles, robust financial analysis and regulatory compliance, with all activities subjected to risk assessment, solvency tests and professional scrutiny.

He also highlighted the bank’s role in national economic stability, linking banking security to national security, and underscoring the importance of financial intermediation, digital transactions and effective money management.

Calling on journalists to deepen their understanding of financial and economic issues, Dr. Gilpin urged the media to help educate the public on GDP growth, money supply, credit flows, digital payments and productivity.

He reminded journalists that in the digital age, local stories travel globally, warning that narratives that unfairly damage national institutions ultimately harm the country’s image and prospects.

Reaffirming his pride in being Sierra Leonean, Dr. Gilpin urged both bankers and journalists to work together to change the country’s narrative through professionalism, unity and excellence.

He concluded by thanking members of the Fourth Estate for supporting RCBank throughout its reform journey, assuring them of the bank’s continued commitment to openness, accountability and partnership.