“Leadership is not just about achieving financial targets”

Sangeetha Ramkelawon, Chief Executive Officer, BCP Bank (Mauritius)

• The first Mauritian woman to hold the position of CEO in the banking sector in Mauritius.

Sangeetha Ramkelawon’s recent appointment as Chief Executive Officer of BCP Bank (Mauritius) marks a defining moment in the local banking landscape. As the first Mauritian woman to lead a commercial bank in the country – part of the prominent Groupe Banque Centrale Populaire – she brings over two decades of experience and a forward-looking vision rooted in purpose, resilience, and inclusion. Her leadership philosophy goes beyond balance sheets, focusing on building meaningful, sustainable value for clients, teams, and the wider economy. Sangeetha Ramkelawon’s career has spanned the evolution of Mauritius as an International Financial Centre, and she is now poised to steer BCP Bank into its next phase of growth, particularly in trade finance, cross-border banking, and private wealth. With a strong emphasis on innovation, customer-centricity, and regional integration, she is committed to positioning the bank as a key connector between Africa and Asia, while empowering teams and championing gender diversity across the financial sector.

Congratulations on your appointment as CEO of BCP Bank (Mauritius). What does this new role mean to you personally and professionally?

My appointment to the role of CEO holds personal significance as I am the first Mauritian woman to hold the position of CEO in the banking sector in Mauritius, more so for a bank that belongs to a leading Pan-African group, Groupe Banque Centrale Populaire. I am incredibly proud of this achievement and of the trust that the Board of Directors have placed in me. It is a true privilege to be part of a group that values diversity in leadership and is committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone.

Professionally and personally, this new role marks a significant milestone in my journey in the financial services sector. It is the culmination of over two decades of hard work and dedication to this sector.

I was among the first graduates in International Finance that got the opportunity to start a career in Global Business at a time when the sector had just started. Since then, we have seen this sector thrive with opportunities and challenges. With all that I have said above, I feel the responsibilities of this position on my shoulders and the expectations of my colleagues, my clients and stakeholders in general.

How would you describe your leadership style, and how do you plan to steer the bank towards its next phase of growth?

I would describe my leadership style as inclusive and growth-oriented. I believe in creating a culture where collaboration, trust, and respect are at the heart of everything we do. In addition to being a strong advocate for innovation and continuous learning, I have always felt that when people work together with a shared purpose, great things happen.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to guide teams through transformation. Leadership is not just about achieving financial targets – it is about building something meaningful and resilient. Empowering my teams with trust and support is essential, as it ensures that we are not only meeting current demands, but also shaping a strong foundation for the future.

At BCP Bank, we place our clients and our people at the heart of everything we do, ensuring every strategic decision reflects the diverse needs of the people we serve. Innovation will remain our driving force, enabling us to anticipate clients’ requirements, and at the same time maintain the collective growth as a team.

What are your key priorities as you take on this new role?

Our key priorities remain the same, that is in line with our strategic vision of enhancing our position as a key player in International Banking focused on trade finance and cross border lending, with an emphasis on Africa. On the domestic market, we will remain niche and endeavour to stay ahead of the curve in meeting our clients’ evolving needs.

This is why we must consolidate the foundation that we have already built – we will continue to focus on our key segments and key markets, particularly through trade finance, cross-border activities, and private banking services. We have a unique opportunity to leverage Mauritius’s strategic position, not just for global business, but to facilitate meaningful growth in the region by leveraging our Group’s presence.

My aim is to ensure that BCP Bank remains agile, forward thinking, and always aligned with our core values.

BCP Bank (Mauritius) has been expanding its presence in the region. What is your vision for the bank’s regional and international positioning?

Being part of the broader BCP Group, with its extensive network and leading presence in Morocco, sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean, provides us with unique strategic advantages. It allows us to tap into a vast network of banking operations across multiple African countries, facilitating cross-border transactions and promoting regional trade.

My vision is to leverage this connectivity to build even stronger economic ties within Africa, while also providing our clients with seamless international banking as well as trade finance solutions. By capitalizing on BCP Group’s experience in managing diverse markets, we can offer tailored solutions to position BCP Bank as a key player in the economic development of the region. Our ability to innovate and stay ahead of evolving market demands will be critical as we continue to grow and contribute to the broader financial ecosystem of Mauritius and Africa.

Beyond Africa, Asian countries are playing an increasingly strategic role on the continent, supporting local development and public-private partnerships. Given Mauritius’ position as a gateway to Africa and Asia, we are uniquely poised to strengthen the commercial ties between these two regions. Our bank, with its deep market expertise, is well positioned to support businesses by providing them with the on-the-ground knowledge necessary for successful trade and investment ventures in Africa.

As part of our strategic priorities, we are also expanding our trade finance solutions, introducing new financial products that facilitate cross-border transactions. We maintain our commitment to supporting both domestic companies and Global Business entities in their international expansion, reinforcing Mauritius’ role as a financial hub bridging Africa, Asia, and beyond.

How do you plan to differentiate BCP Bank (Mauritius) in a highly competitive banking sector?

One of our competitive advantages has always been – and will still be – our unique position within the broader BCP Group network, and our ability to leverage this to provide unparalleled regional and international banking solutions that connect Mauritius with the wider global economy.

Our differentiation lies in our ability to offer specialized financial solutions. We will continue to build on our expertise in structured finance – spanning mergers and acquisitions, project finance, and other complex financial arrangements – enabling us to provide strategic funding solutions that align with businesses’ growth ambitions across Africa.

We will also continue to focus on tailoring our services to the unique needs of our clients in Mauritius while drawing on the expertise and best practices of the BCP Group, ensuring we provide the most relevant, seamless, and forward-thinking solutions.

What are the biggest opportunities for the bank in the next five years?

There are significant opportunities in trade finance as I mentioned, but also in sustainable financing and infrastructure financing on both domestic and regional markets, and cross-border lending, particularly in Africa, where economic growth steadily drives demand for financial solutions.

The SME sector also presents great potential, and we aim to play a more active role in supporting entrepreneurs and businesses locally. We will also be focusing on our Private Banking and Wealth Management solutions.

Overall, we want to continue to contribute to the Mauritius IFC.

How do you see the role of BCP Bank (Mauritius) evolving within the broader Groupe BCP strategy?

First and foremost, Groupe BCP places much emphasis on synergy and cross selling among the subsidiaries across the continent and in the Indian Ocean. This collaborative approach allows our clients in Mauritius to benefit from the innovative solutions driven by intragroup synergy, while BCP Bank (Mauritius) simultaneously plays a pivotal role in Groupe BCP’s international expansion strategy.

As a strategic hub connecting African and Asian markets, our institution strengthens the group’s efforts to extend its global presence. Mauritius’ unique position at the crossroads of Africa and Asia provides the group with a significant advantage in facilitating trade, investment, and financial services between these two dynamic regions. Our role within Groupe BCP’s strategy is to act as a bridge, fostering international business.

Moreover, we are well positioned to contribute to the group’s trade finance and syndications efforts, particularly in supporting regional infrastructure projects that drive growth. By enhancing access to capital for businesses across Africa, we help accelerate development while reinforcing Mauritius’ role as a financial gateway to the continent. There are opportunities ahead as we continue to strengthen these connections, drive investment, and contribute to Africa’s economic transformation.

The banking sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation. How is BCP Bank (Mauritius) leveraging technology and innovation to enhance customer experience?  

Our digital strategy revolves around making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible for all our clients. This includes the expansion of our online banking platforms, with the recent addition of banking platforms dedicated to our corporate clients and SMEs.

It is about streamlining banking processes and providing more personalized client interactions, from digital onboarding to enhanced transactional capabilities. At the same time, we are strengthening our cybersecurity measures to ensure the highest levels of trust and security for our customers.

We are also going to continue to improve our digital platforms related to our Consumer Banking business.

What strategies are in place to enhance customer experience and trust in a rapidly evolving banking landscape? 

Trust is built on reliability, security, personalized service and responsiveness. We are continuously refining our customer engagement strategies by investing in digital solutions, enhancing service efficiency, and ensuring a seamless banking experience. Positive client experience is key. At the same time, we place great emphasis on building long lasting relationships with our clients through dedicated Relationship Managers who are there to offer customised services.

“Being part of the broader BCP Group allows us to tap into a vast network of banking operations across multiple African countries, facilitating cross-border transactions and promoting regional trade.”

How is the bank responding to the changing expectations of SMEs and corporate clients?

At BCP Bank (Mauritius), we recognize that SMEs and corporate clients are the backbone of the economy. Their evolving needs in an increasingly digital and fast-paced business environment require agile, tailored, and innovative financial solutions.

To support them, we are continuously enhancing our product offerings, ensuring seamless access to everyday banking, short-term and long-term financing, as well as trade finance solutions. More than just a financial provider, we strive to be a trusted partner, offering bespoke advisory services that empower businesses to grow and thrive.

For our corporate clients, we provide structured financing, cash management, and cross-border banking services that align with their expansion strategies. We are also investing in the continuous improvement of our digital platforms, enabling businesses to efficiently manage their financial operations anytime, anywhere.

As part of our commitment to driving business transformation, BCP Bank was the first to introduce a Digital Transformation Loan, recognizing the urgent need for businesses to adapt in a post-pandemic landscape. This financing solution was designed specifically to help businesses develop websites, upgrade e-commerce platforms, and enhance logistics infrastructure – essential steps for sustaining growth in an increasingly digital economy.

Through these initiatives, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting SMEs and corporate clients with innovative, flexible, and forward-thinking banking solutions.

The banking sector is facing increasing regulatory and compliance requirements. How is BCP Bank (Mauritius) adapting to these challenges?  

At BCP Bank (Mauritius), and at group level, we take a proactive and integrated approach to compliance risk management. The bank has set up an appropriate governance framework and a full-fledged compliance function which consistently monitors compliance with regulations to ensure application of internal policies and procedures. This structured approach enables BCP Bank (Mauritius) to effectively navigate the evolving regulatory landscape while maintaining the highest standards of governance and operational integrity.

Are there any specific initiatives the bank is implementing to support green finance, sustainable investments, or social impact projects?  

The bank is deeply committed to supporting green finance and sustainable investment initiatives that drive positive change for both our clients and society. We have been among the pioneers in financing sustainable projects such as wind farms and solar farms in Mauritius.  On the consumer-banking front, we introduced the iPreserve Green Loan, designed to support both individuals and businesses in transitioning to more sustainable practices. By financing projects that enhance energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, or promote responsible operations, we enable our clients to contribute actively to environmental preservation.

Furthermore, our sustainable financing efforts align with Groupe BCP’s ESG charter, which is regularly updated to reflect evolving sustainability priorities. We leverage the group’s green and sustainable bonds to fund environmentally responsible projects, reinforcing our commitment to responsible investing.

It is getting more and more important to steer the commercial efforts towards this type of financing. In fact, the Guidelines on Climate Related and Environmental Financial Risk Management came into effect in 2022

As one of the few female CEOs in the banking sector, how do you see the role of women evolving in banking and finance? What advice would you give young women aspiring to leadership positions in the industry?  

As the first Mauritian female CEO in Mauritius’s banking sector, I have witnessed first-hand the positive changes taking place within the industry, not just in terms of gender representation, but also in the increasing opportunities for women to take on leadership roles. The role of women in banking and finance is evolving rapidly, with more women breaking barriers and stepping into positions that were for a long time dominated by men. This shift is a result of not only changing societal norms, but also a growing recognition of the value women bring to leadership – diverse perspectives, empathy, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

The appointment of our Group Chairperson and CEO, Mrs Belkeziz, at the end of last year, is a true testament to this shift. Today, more and more women are owning their place as leaders in Banking & Finance. In March, we have seen the appointment of another woman CEO at HSBC Mauritius. Foreign groups present in Mauritius have demonstrated the trust they place in local competencies. More and more global Management Companies have appointed Mauritian women as CEOs or MDs. Mauritius Finance, the leading voice of the financial services sector, has six women directors on the Board, with both the Chair and Vice-Chair being women.

For young women aspiring to leadership positions in the industry, my advice is to never stop learning, be curious, and participate in new projects. Our sector is fast evolving, and staying updated with new trends, technologies, and regulatory changes is crucial. Moreover, seek out mentors who can guide you through challenges and help you grow professionally.

To the next generation of women leaders, I would say: Dream big, be bold, and keep pushing forward. You have the power to shape your future and the future of this industry.

What excites you most about the future of banking in Mauritius and Africa?  

The future of the banking sector in Mauritius and Africa is incredibly exciting, as the region is experiencing rapid and dynamic economic transformation, driven by trade, infrastructure development, and financial innovation.

The banking sector is also evolving at an extraordinary pace – it is set to leverage technological innovation to unlock new possibilities on the market and empower individual customers and businesses.

The growing demand for sustainable finance, coupled with Africa’s rising economic potential, presents a unique moment for us to build a more inclusive and resilient banking sector. The increasing importance of virtual assets and digital banking is also something to watch out for.

What message would you like to share with your employees, clients, and stakeholders as you take on this leadership role?  

It is an honour for me to lead our bank and build on its strong foundation. As we navigate an evolving financial landscape, my commitment is to strengthen relationships and uphold our values of trust and excellence.