Kumasi (Ash), July 19, GNA - Prudential Bank Limited (PB), an indigenous bank, which promotes Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the country, has opened a new branch at Suame-Maakro, in the Kumasi Metropolis to improve on the economic activities of the community.

In a statement, the management said it now had 30 branches across the country, in addition to three other agencies operating as subsidiaries.

Mr Joseph Okine-Afrane, Deputy Managing Director in-charge of Finance, Credit and Administration of the bank, who opened the branch, said management was working to expand its branch networks across the country to bring convenience to its clients.

He said since its establishment 14 years ago, the bank had provided financial assistance to individuals, SMEs and other businesses.

Mr Okine-Afrane said although it operated locally, the bank provided international banking services and covered the operations of both local and foreign currencies.

He mentioned the handling of import and export bills, sales and purchase of foreign exchange and the handling of foreign transfers as some of the international services offered.

Mr Okine-Afrane explained that the bank offered all types of banking services within its area of operation but focused mostly on meeting the needs of SMEs such as trading and agriculture production.

He said some of the services provided by the bank include, savings account, current account, students account, fixed deposit, transfer of funds, project financing, export financing, consumer credit facility, home base account, trust account, executive banking, export advisory services, and short, medium and large term loans.

Mr Okine-Afrane encouraged customers to take advantage of the bank's products, saying its interest rate was among the lowest in the country because it was mindful of the harm that high interest rates and charges could do to customers' businesses.