After setting up its full service banking arm late last year, Andbank (Bahamas) Ltd, an Andorra-based family-owned private bank, is continuing to nurture young Bahamian talent.

Andbank has made a commitment to bring value to The Bahamas by developing the talents of two College of The Bahamas students.

Justin Knowles, an economics major, and Lauren Russell, a banking and finance major, have been selected to intern at Andbank, which is one of the fastest growing private banks in The Bahamas, for a period of 12 weeks. The interns started at the Nassau office last month.

With financial services being a major pillar of The Bahamas economy, Andbank is encouraging the next generation of Bahamians to join the world of international banking.

The two undergraduates will gain experience in private banking, as well as risk and compliance operations.

“I know that there are many outstanding financial houses in The Bahamas, but I wanted to find an institution that sets itself apart,” says Russell.

“After careful research, I was impressed with the company’s core value of providing exclusive, direct and personal treatment and products to their clients. In order to provide this standard of treatment to their clients, I knew that Andbank employees possessed, not only integrity, but passion for the job. Without a doubt, I was very excited to become well-versed in International Banking, but was particularly fond of observing the necessary character traits that are required to thrive in the competitive finance profession.”

Knowles says that, “while I could gain a textbook knowledge of the Bahamian economy, I realized that there is no substitute for hands on experience. I needed to find a place that would not only help me develop as a future professional, but also on a personal level.”

“Andbank works exclusively with international clients, so not only will I gain invaluable business experience, but I will also be able to hone my language skills, as well as interact with persons from a wide spectrum of countries and backgrounds.”

Andbank (Bahamas) chief executive officer Juan Iglesias says that “the Ministry of Financial Services and the Bahamas Financial Services Board are committed to excellence in the financial services industry of this jurisdiction. We share that vision and believe that developing future talent is key to achieving and maintaining it.”