The Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, Inaugurates Georgetown Branch Building and Heritage Centre in Guyana
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, 08 November, 2026: Bank of Baroda, India's International Bank, today inaugurated its new Head Office and Georgetown Branch in Guyana, along with the Bank of Baroda Heritage Centre, showcasing the Bank's rich legacy and its longstanding association with the country. The Bank started operations in Guyana on March 31, 1966, nearly two months before Guyana attained independence. In 1999, its local operations were converted into a wholly owned subsidiary, Bank of Baroda (Guyana) Inc. Today, the Bank operates two branches in the country and remains the only Indian bank with a presence in Guyana.
The new building and Heritage Centre were inaugurated by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, in the presence of Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda; Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance; His Excellency Shri Chinmoy Naik, High Commissioner of India to Guyana; His Worship Mr. Alfred Mentore, Mayor of Georgetown; Dr. Gobind Ganga, Governor of the Bank of Guyana; and Shri Nishant Ranjan, Chairman; Shri Sekhar Moses Mallampati, Director; and Shri Mohit Bhakuni, Managing Director, Bank of Baroda (Guyana) Inc.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda said, "This is not merely the inauguration of a new building. It represents a renewed commitment, a new beginning and, above all, the strengthening of a relationship that has endured for six decades. Our relationship with Guyana is older than its independence. We have grown alongside this country and have been part of its economic and financial journey. As an Indian bank with deep roots in Guyana, Bank of Baroda is proud to be a financial bridge connecting these two friendly nations."
Highlighting the Bank's performance in Guyana, Dr. Chand acknowledged the trust and encouragement of its customers and the wider community, which have supported the Bank's steady growth in recent years. Key performance highlights include:
· Total business grew from GYD 28.7 billion in 2022-23 to over GYD 51.2 billion in 2025-26, registering growth of nearly 29% in the latest financial year.
· Deposits increased by over 31%, while advances grew by more than 22%.
· Net Profit reached GYD 774 million.
· Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) declined from GYD 314 million to GYD 38 million.
Outlining the Bank's future priorities, Dr. Chand identified digital payments as a key area of focus, particularly in view of Guyana's introduction of its real-time payment system. He said, "Following the understanding between India and Guyana, efforts are underway to facilitate UPI-based payment capabilities in Guyana. Bank of Baroda would be keen to contribute to this initiative in coordination with NPCI, the relevant authorities and other stakeholders. The recently announced US$500 million Indian credit facility for key development projects in Guyana represents another important milestone in this partnership. Our commitment is simple: We want to grow with Guyana, serve its people and contribute to its prosperity."
Delivering the featured address, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, described Bank of Baroda’s investment in its new Head Office as a strong expression of confidence in Guyana's economy. He encouraged the Bank to extend greater financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighting their vital role in creating employment and broadening economic participation. He remarked, "Large investors provide initial momentum. Small businesses provide the breadth, the reach and the staying power."
The President also urged the Bank to support productive sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure and the oil and gas supply chain. He expressed the hope that the new Head Office would become a centre from which businesses are financed, entrepreneurs are supported and new opportunities are created for the people of Guyana.
The inauguration event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and plaque unveiling by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda. This was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a walkthrough of the new banking hall and the inauguration of the Bank of Baroda Heritage Centre, which chronicles the Bank's six-decade journey in Guyana. The ceremony featured addresses by Dr. Debadatta Chand, Shri Mohit Bhakuni and Shri Chinmoy Naik, followed by the featured address by His Excellency the President.
Looking ahead, Bank of Baroda sees significant opportunities to deepen its engagement in Guyana across key sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, renewable energy, small and medium-sized enterprises, and businesses operating in the oil & gas sector. The Bank also aims to further strengthen its digital banking capabilities, payment solutions, trade finance and remittance services to support Guyana's growing economic and financial ecosystem.
As Bank of Baroda marks six decades of its presence in Guyana, the inauguration of its new Head Office, Georgetown Branch and Heritage Centre represents an important milestone in its journey. It reaffirms the Bank's commitment to growing alongside Guyana, strengthening bilateral economic ties and contributing to the country's continued growth and prosperity.
