BCMS, ISMS Certification: CBN Commends Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank has been formally presented with the Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS) and Information Security Management System (ISMS: ISO 27001) certificates by the British Standards Institutions (BCI).

Speaking at the certification presentation ceremony at the Bank’s corporate Head Office in Lagos, the Bank’s MD/CEO, Nnamdi Okonkwo said that the certification would enhance the safety and protection of the bank’s assets and customers’ investments, as well as the financial institution’s ability to effectively respond to incidents or disruptions and continue operations at acceptable predefined levels.

He explained that “Most disruptions to smooth business operations are caused by infrastructure outages or human error. “They can also be the result of random power outages, natural disasters or international events. Clearly, any of these disruptions can be costly and undermine an organisation’s ability to deliver best-in-breed customer service adding that unplanned outages can also create far-reaching consequences that impact long-term revenue stream, brand and ultimately, an organisation’s survival.

Commending the bank on the achievement, the Director of Banking and Payment System Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dipo Fatokun noted that Fidelity Bank is known for being consistently committed to improving banking services to its customers and meeting up on all obligations. “In this era where hazards (Human and natural) have become unavoidable, being certified for the operation of Business Continuity Management System is a great achievement and readiness of the Banks’s commitment to sustain the purpose of the certification.

He called on other players in the industry to emulate the trait set by Fidelity Bank. It is on record that Fidelity Bank achieved the BCMS certification 13 months before the deadline given to banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure that they are BCMS certified.