About Us
The Belize Bank Limited carries a tradition of excellence in service as the first and oldest continuous banking operation in Belize.
The Bank of British Honduras was incorporated in December 1902 and opened for business in 1903. In 1912, its operations were purchased by the Royal Bank of Canada beginning the second era of operations which lasted until 1987. In April of 1987, the Royal Bank operations was purchased by the Belize Bank – a group of local investors who rebranded it to “The Belize Bank Limited” – commencing the third era of Belize’s longest uninterrupted banking operation totaling over 100 years of service to Belize.
The Belize Bank values its tradition of service, built on sound banking experience and the highest ethical standards. With a track record of consistent growth, The Belize Bank is a pillar of strength, stability and integrity in the Belizean economy.
The Belize Bank remains a dominant player in the banking industry in Belize. With It’s increasing market share of loans and of deposits, the Belize Bank continues to be the leader in an increasingly sophisticated and competitive banking environment.
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OUR MISSION
To maximize value for individuals and businesses locally and internationally by providing quality and innovative financial services, nurturing long-lasting relationships and delivering superior customer service.[vc_empty_space height=”10px”]OUR VISION
To be the pre-eminent financial services provider in Central America and the Caribbean.
Location
Belize lies on the eastern coastline of Central America, and is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and by the Caribbean Sea to the east.
With approximately 8,867 sq. miles, Belize’s mainland is about 180 miles long and 68 miles wide.
Belize also consists of over 200 offshore islands, or cayes, ranging in size from a few hundred feet to 25 miles long and 4 miles wide; most of which are located inside the 200 mile long Belize reef.
Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world – 185 miles long – and three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere fall within Belize’s territory.
Belize is uniquely positioned as a part of Central America and the Caribbean – a region of the world with immense growth potential. It is well placed to provide high quality professional service which responds directly to the needs of both commercial and private clients, at home and abroad. In addition, its democratic and political stability is an optimum environment providing unparalleled opportunities for the growth and development of the Bank and its clients.
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Language
[vc_empty_space height=”10px”]English is the official language of Belize; however Spanish is also widely spoken. Maya, Garifuna, and Creole are also spoken.[vc_empty_space height=”10px”]Government and Legal System
[vc_empty_space height=”10px”]Belize has a long-standing history of peace, stability, and democracy. It became a British Crown Colony in 1862 and achieved independence from the United Kingdom on September 21st, 1981. The political system is based on the British Westminster model with Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State, represented in Belize by a Belizean Governor General.Belize’s legal system and rule of law are firmly rooted in the English Common Law, and supplemented by local legislation, with the Privy Council serving as the final court of appeal. Belize has a constitution and a bill of rights.[vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#e8e8e8″]
Population
[vc_empty_space height=”10px”]Belize’s population is approximately 398,050 (Statistical Institute of Belize, July 2018). There is a great deal of ethnic diversity among Belizeans who include Hispanic, Creoles (African-European), Mestizo (Spanish-Indian), Garifuna (African-Indian), Mayan, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern, and Asian. The largest single group is Hispanic.[vc_empty_space height=”10px”]Currency
[vc_empty_space height=”10px”]Local currency is the Belize Dollar or BZ$. The Belize dollar has been pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 2:1 for over 25 years.
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Economy
[vc_empty_space height=”10px”]Agriculture was traditionally the major driver of Belize’s economy with export products such as sugar, citrus, and banana. Tourism has however, now surpassed agriculture as the main foreign exchange earner. Belize benefits from a number of preferential market access arrangements, especially with the USA, Canada and the European Union.[vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#e8e8e8″]Climate
[vc_empty_space height=”10px”]Belize’s weather is characterized by two seasons: a rainy (June to November) and a dry season. Annual rainfall ranges from 60 inches in the north to 160 inches in the south. Rainfall is variable from year to year except for in the south.The coldest month is January while the highest temperatures are experienced during the month of May.[vc_empty_space height=”10px”]
Communication
[vc_empty_space height=”10px”]Belize has excellent satellite and fiber-optic telecommunication services including international roaming with its GSM network. Internet access is readily available through satellite, cable, and DSL.There are currently two telephone companies in Belize – Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and Speednet.[vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#e8e8e8″]