First Merchant Bank
FMB has, since its establishment, enjoyed rapid growth and is now one of the leading financial services groups in Malawi measured by market capitalisation, market share and profitability. Over the years the group has garnered numerous internationally recognised awards for excellence in its operations. FMB is primarily a commercial bank and offers a full range of traditional banking services with a flexible and innovative approach focused on serving the needs of its customers. In addition it offers its customers corporate finance, asset management and transfer secretarial services through a dedicated Capital Markets Division. The Leasing and Finance Company of Malawi Limited ('LFC'), which became a wholly owned subsidiary of FMB in 2002 has been in operation in Malawi since 1986 with branches in Blantyre and Lilongwe. The acquisition of LFC has enabled the FMB group to offer its clients an expanded range of investment and financing products. FMB also has a 51% shareholding in Capital Bank Limited, a Botswana registered company which has been granted a commercial banking licence by Bank of Botswana. Capital Bank Limited is expected to commence banking operations in May 2008.