Central Bank of Suriname: “Public’s assets at DSB Bank are safe”

Sigmund Proeve on Thursday was fired which means that he is no longer the director at De Surinaamsche Bank NV (DSB). Henna Lieuw-Hie – Gonesh has reportedly been promoted to acting director for the time being. A memo from the board of supervisory directors at the DSB Bank indicates that the results at the bank and the performance of the director were scrutinized recently. Reports indicate that the bank closes the year 2016 with losses. The financial losses were recently discussed with management. During the meeting it became clear that the board and Proeve do not share the same opinion on how the bank must be run. Proeve reportedly told the board that he would stop performing his duties as CEO of the bank until termination of his work agreement.

Shareholder Assuria NV issued a press release, indicating that it was informed of the financial losses of the DSB Bank in 2016. The local insurance company was also informed of the measures that have been taken to help the bank to recover and become profitable again. Assuria pointed out that as the biggest shareholder it will keep supporting the bank whenever that is deemed necessary.

Glenn Gersie, president at the Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS), pointed out that the dismissal of Proeve does not mean that the DSB is bankrupt or that the savings of the clients are at risk. He slammed the rumors that are spread and which are urging clients to empty their accounts at the DSB Bank at once. The Central Bank made it clear that such negative reports are aimed at raising concerns and harming the DSB Bank and the nation’s financial sector. The Central Bank also made it clear that there is no bankruptcy and that the biggest shareholders of the DSB Bank, Assuria and the State, have been holding talks for some time now and that the talks are aimed at strengthening the bank’s capital. Steps aimed at strengthening the DSB Bank’s capital are already in an advanced stage.