Bermuda Commercial Bank (BCB) will mark four decades of serving Bermudians and the international business community when it celebrates its 40th anniversary tomorrow.

The bank's story begins just over 40 years ago, when a group of Bermudian entrepreneurs decided to form a local savings and loan institution in Bermuda.

About a year prior to the official opening, on November 5, 1969, BCB was conceived in the original name of the Bermuda Provident Bank as the 'brain child' of Walter Seymour and Tom Masters of the Vernon Temple AME church in Southampton.

The first chairman was the well-respected lawyer Arnold Francis and the present chairman is Dr. CR Terceira, who has been a director since the inauguration of the bank.

Initially the main shareholder and administrator was Barclays Bank, which in 1993 sold its shares to John Deuss.

"Throughout the years, Bermuda Commercial Bank has retained top rated management and staff. It is a very viable and progressive bank with the credo of personal service to its clients," Dr. Terceira said. "They have evolved to become the only Bermudian bank focused on servicing the local and international corporate and commercial business communities as well as high net worth clients. BCB has mastered the art of banking by providing the highest standards of service to clients worldwide. Their tailored market focus, the accessibility of their staff and personalised service are what set Bermuda Commercial Bank apart in the industry."

Mr. Francis said: "I have seen our bank grow from strength to strength. I congratulate and thank the staff for their contribution to the continued growth of our bank."