Sierra Leone Commercial Bank Limited (SLCB) has announced that it has achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its Information Security Management System, describing the milestone as a first for an indigenous bank in Sierra Leone.
According to the bank, the certification was issued by MQA Certification UK Ltd following an assessment of its information security management system against the international standard.
The certification took effect on September 30, 2026, and is valid until September 29, 2029, subject to successful surveillance audits.
The achievement recognises the bank’s systems for managing information security risks and protecting sensitive information. It provides customers with greater assurance about how their data is handled, although certification does not eliminate all cybersecurity risks.
The certified scope includes corporate banking, retail banking, digital banking, risk management, information security operations and IT operations. It covers business processes and supporting functions involved in delivering the bank’s products and services.
The listed locations are 28/21 Siaka Stevens Street, 35A Lightfoot Boston Street and Freetown Polytechnic’s Jui Campus, all in Freetown.
SLCB linked the achievement to its ongoing transformation programme under Managing Director Yusufu Abdul Silla, with technology, digitalisation and operational resilience forming key parts of the bank’s strategy.
The bank also highlighted the contribution of its Chief Information Security Officer, Bintu Jonah, who helped lead the certification process.
“Humbled and proud to present our first-ever ISO/IEC 27001 certificate! I’m honoured to serve as CISO of Sierra Leone’s first indigenous bank to achieve this certification. Congratulations to us all on this remarkable achievement!” Jonah said.
For staff, the certification recognises the coordinated role of people, processes and technology in maintaining information security. For shareholders, it provides evidence of the bank’s efforts to strengthen governance and manage operational risks.
The milestone comes as digital banking makes information security increasingly important to financial institutions and their customers. SLCB said the achievement demonstrates the ability of local banks to meet internationally recognised standards.
