TH!NK

These days, the news is grim in most places, but MCB’s latest Africa Economic Compass report shows Africa is telling a different story – the continent is no longer absorbing global shocks from a position of weakness.Years of tough reforms, stronger buffers and rising intra‑African trade meant many economies entered the current crisis on firmer ground. And now the crisis itself is accelerating change.In this latest episode of MCB Talk, the report’s authors say that, although uneven, Africa’s resilience is very real indeed. And they have an index that proves it. 

The war in Iran is a wake-up call for countries like Mauritius, says geopolitical expert François Gemenne in this latest episode of MCB Talk. For him, energy transition is no longer just about climate — it’s about sovereignty.As global tensions disrupt key energy routes and drive volatility, Mauritius’s reliance on imported fossil fuels exposes the economy to shocks beyond its control. And according to Gemenne, this volatility is not temporary — it’s the new normal.Last year's episode can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dFBwCehZ

If ever there were a time for Mauritius to transition to low-carbon energy, it would be now. Old, defective machine parts, an outdated grid, supply insecurity, and the declining cost of renewable technologies form a perfect storm for the transition. And the stakeholders, – lawmakers, the CEB, IPPs and the banks – are getting ready to take up the challenge.Find out what’s at stake, what the constraints are, but also where the hope lies in this latest episode of MCB Talk on energy transition.Featuring the CEB Director, Shamshir Mukoon, Energy expert Khalil Elahee, Omnicane CEO Jacques d’Unienville, and MCB CEO Thierry Hebraud, the opening episode of season three, Powering Mauritius, examines Mauritius’ energy transition in the context of current supply constraints. 

Behind the billionsWhen a systemic bank like MCB generates billions in profits, it benefits not just its shareholders but also its home country, through the value it creates, the taxes it pays, and the support it provides to the economy.In this episode of MCB Talk, “Behind the billions”, MCB Group CEO Jean Michel Ng Tseung takes an unfiltered look at what should drive the success of Mauritius, saying maintaining the country’s sovereign investment grade is critical to its continued prosperity.Find out what MCB’s vision for Mauritius is and how Jean Michel Ng Tseung thinks a renewed cycle of economic growth can be achieved.

MCB recently lit up the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square, showcasing how far the Mauritian bank has come in expanding the reach of its financial markets in Africa and beyond. Speaking to MCB Talk, the head of Financial Markets, Parik Tulsidas, explains how MCB Financial Markets has become a product house in its own right and is helping the bank achieve its ambition of becoming a one-stop shop for its clients in Africa.

When MCB launched Juice in 2013, mobile banking was new, and smartphones were just starting to take off. Just 12 years later, 82% of payments worldwide are contactless and people are paying with their phones, rings, glasses – and in some places, with their smiles. As MCB brings tap technology to Mauritius, a first in the Indian Ocean, it’s also ensuring that your contactless payments remain secure, reliable, and robust. In this latest episode of MCB Talk, find out how our world is about to change drastically and how MCB is helping make this happen for our younger generations. How MCB is building for the future.

From corporate banking in the Maldives to financial inclusion in Madagascar and full-service retail in Seychelles, MCB is using the best of Mauritius to lead with purpose across the Indian Ocean.In this new episode of MCB Talk, Dominique Provençal, Head of MCB Overseas, explores how Vision 2030 is redefining MCB’s footprint in Seychelles, Madagascar, and the Maldives—now officially part of our home markets.MCB’s regional strategy is powered by Mauritius's strength and stability, integration across markets, community-rooted action, and digital innovation tailored to local realities.

Once considered unconventional, container houses are now gaining traction as affordable, sustainable, and stylish alternatives to traditional concrete structures. And for the first time in Mauritius, MCB is offering mortgage financing for this type of dwelling—partnering with local pioneers Velogic and Sunbox. Tune in as we bust myths, explore benefits, and talk financing with MCB’s Jean-Lou Rosse, Velogic’s Grégory de Comarmond, and Sunbox’s Vincent Mamet.

In this latest episode of the MCB Talk podcast, the bank’s Heads of Domestic Banking and Retail, Anju Umrowsing Ramtohul and Bernard Jackson, discuss what it really means to serve 1.2 million customers. They do not shy away from addressing ongoing challenges; from the country’s cash dependency and digital hesitation to national staffing dynamics. But they also highlight solutions—enhanced customer service training, development of clear career paths to reduce staff turnover, and a focus on financial literacy to empower customers to self-serve on the bank’s digital platforms. From the #KAPAV mindset to tackling digital anxiety, it’s all about building trust, digital confidence, and better banking for all.

We all know plastic is a problem. We all know we should reduce, refuse, recycle etc but there’s a disconnect between what we know and what we do. That’s why plastic pollution is so complex: it’s down not just to the amount of plastic we consume but also the type of plastic and what it’s used for. But above all, it’s how we anticipate its end of life and how we dispose of it. Learn more about the plastic conundrum in the latest episode of MCB Talk featuring Plastic Odyssey, Simon Bernard, Gregory Martin, Mickael Apaya, Vanessa de Speville, ENL/Rogers

As this year’s MCB Trade Week gets underway, the bank’s experts continue highlighting the importance of MCB’s knowledge of the continent for business. Jessen Coolen and Arnaud Levasseur, the authors of a recently launched report on trade based on on-the-ground knowledge of Africa and insights gained from last year’s Trade Week, say that risks can only be navigated when they are properly understood.Download the MCB Trade Report 2025:on.mcb.mu/trade-report

As MCB officially opens its Representative in Lagos, Nigeria, marking its first permanent presence in West Africa, the bureau’s Chief Representative Officer, Abiodun Azeez, talks to us about how the bank is currently supporting Nigerian banks and their clients while also enabling Indigenous companies to acquire assets as International Oil Companies divest. Find out more about MCB’s African agenda in this latest episode of MCB Talk.

“The threat of disinformation is bigger than climate change” Geopolitical expert Francois Gemenne says the US withdrawal from international cooperation is bad news for the fight against climate change but urges companies to keep investing in the transition to a low-carbon economy.In this latest episode of MCB Talk, this member of the IPCC comments on current affairs, including the impact of recent US Executive orders on the world, whilst warning that disinformation is currently the biggest threat we face. He also urges African countries to continue to invest in renewable energies even as they continue to need fossil fuels to meet their development needs. 

Gender equality has made important strides in the workplace these past years. At MCB, for instance, an array of progressive measures meant to support employees in their role as parents has been introduced over the years. But women are struggling to balance motherhood and work, frequently having to choose one over the other.  In the latest episode of MCB Talk, three women, Hema Cederhague, Head of Securities at MCB, Anne Claire Antoinette, Sustainability Lead at the bank and Shakila Badouraly, MCB’s Diversity and Inclusion Lead, open up about what it takes to climb the career ladder and parent simultaneously. As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025, they discuss the progress made in Mauritius and the new challenges arising from the notion of “equality.” And conclude that instead of seeing parenthood as a constraint for employees, employers and policymakers should reflect on their role in fostering a healthy society made up of functioning families, both as a demographic and economic imperative. 

In this first episode of season 2 of the MCB Talk podcast, CEO Thierry Hebraud speaks out against what he calls the hypocrisy of Northern countries. He says G7 countries represent 25% of all CO2 emissions, while Africa, with only 4% of CO2 emissions, is bearing not only the brunt of climate change but also underdevelopment, with 600 million people without access to electricity. He says the continent needs to join forces to defend its right to a sustainable development under a Just Transition approach. 

MCB runs not just the country’s biggest bank but also… rather incongruously, Mauritius’ biggest… restaurant! In this final episode of MCB Talk for 2024, we tell the story of how a company that employs over 3000 people engaged in wide-ranging activities—from financial markets to media and catering and, yes, good old banking—views its responsibilities towards them.We talk about how a decision taken more than 30 years ago to provide its employees with well-balanced, home-cooked style meals at an affordable price now impacts the company, the economy, and society as a whole. Featuring Enrico Rodati, Catering Manager and Karuna Gungah, Restaurant Administrator at MCB.

“Hire for attitude and train for skill” is MCB Group head of HR Allan Freed’s recommendation for facing the disruption technology is unleashing in the world of work as jobs evolve and new ones are created to cater to the changing expectations of a markedly younger workforce.  In the latest episode of MCB Talk, Allan Freed and Krystel Bernard Knappova, MCB’s People Strategy Partner, discuss the cultural shift in the HR world and what companies like MCB can do to find and keep the best talent.00:00 The Evolving World of Work13:36 Hiring for Attitude and Training for Skills17:54 Becoming an Employer of Choice17:58 Equal Pay Certification and Workplace Flexibility22:46 Education's Role in Workplace Preparation

Global trade would not exist without a reliable and efficient way to make payments. As technology advances relentlessly, banks like MCB must continue investing in their payment solutions to provide a seamless experience to their clients.In this latest episode of MCB Talk, Sanjeev Hazareesing, MCB’s Head of Global Transaction Banking, lifts a veil on the mysterious world of money movement.

 MCB is putting its money where its mouth is by offering businesses cheaper money to help their ecological transition, their adaptation to the impacts of climate change or otherwise create more resilience and sustainability in their business models. In this latest episode of MCB Talk, Aldo Sydonie and Narvika Seetahul from MCB’s Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) reveal how sustained conversations with their clients have led to the co-creation of at least two sustainable finance products. Tune in to the latest episode of MCB Talk to find out how you can also benefit from the preferential rates of MCB’s first in-house Sustainability Loan.

While de-risking is causing banks around the world to turn away potential clients from Africa because their home countries are deemed high risk, MCB has no such concerns, say Guy Ah Hang, MCB Private Banking International manager and Vanessa Lai Min, Investment Product and Services manager. In this latest episode of MCB Talk, they argue that the bank’s unparalleled understanding of the African continent, its expertise and solid foundations, together with the strengths of the MIFC, make MCB a no-brainer for High-Net-Worth Individuals in Africa and beyond.Learn more about why MCB Private Banking International is the right choice for you.

In this episode of MCB Talk, Ashvin Deena, the head of Global and International Corporates, explains how the bank is addressing challenges faced by its clients in Africa. Hard currency shortages, inflation, depreciation of African currencies, and high interest rates significantly impact businesses on the continent.Learn more about MBC’s role in Africa here.

Independent Trade Finance expert Rebecca Harding says it is, adding that Africa must define its needs. She explains that while elsewhere trade harms SDGs, in Africa, it can be a force for good if it creates jobs and supports communities. In this latest episode of MCB Talk, Rebecca Harding and MCB’s Arnaud Levasseur discuss how the USD 120 billion Trade Finance gap in Africa can be an opportunity for banks such as MCB to do business while supporting the sustainable development of the continent.

As MCB bags its very first Sustainability-Linked loan, Anbar Jowaheer, MCB’s Head of FI and Syndication, and Vanessa de Speville, MCB’s Head of Sustainability, Reputation and Engagement, discuss why these types of syndicated loans matter and where banks are in this gigantic mission of greening their operations.

Last year, 84% of MCB’s profits came from outside Mauritius. Philippe Touati, MCB’s new head of Corporate and Institutional Banking, talks to us about the increasing share of international business in MCB’s business model and what this says about MCB’s ambitions in the region and beyond.

The recent strong job numbers and undoubtedly discouraging inflation data are tempting the Fed to hold rates at current level for longer. Market conditions manifest a delay in the rate cut narrative.The present market indications suggest a 1% reduction by June, signaling a gradual return to normalcy.We anticipate the USD to uphold its prevailing status in the forthcoming months. In the near term, it's vital to keep an eye on the dollar index at 105; exceeding this threshold would spur momentum, potentially reaching levels observed in September 2023 at around 107 and possibly nearing 110.Featured in this podcast:Gavin Kannee - Senior FX TraderJolene Li Sing How - FX TraderTerry Lalljee - Trainee Beyond Graduate

Podcast 2: Climate and Finance As MCB GM sets out to market ESG-themed investment products, we ask Sustainability Manager Stephane Lebon and Product Structurer Oodaye Joggesser about the seemingly contradictory nature of both subjects - climate and finance.  Oodaye says a priority for MCB Financial Markets is to direct their clients to where the money is flowing and that in the coming years, there will be massive investment in water infrastructure, water utilities, and water treatment, among other sectors. Stephane, for his part, argues that Sustainable Finance – when financial flows are directed to sustainable activities- will, in due course, become mainstream finance as priorities shift to face the oncoming climate crisis.  Both guests agree that the water-themed exposure currently being marketed by MCB GM is a win-win proposition with 100% capital protection by MCB, a solid backtesting result that supports its financial viability coupled with doing good by investing in the world’s need for clean water. If you’d like to know more about this specific exposure or other investment products, contact [email protected]

“Do you have any foreign currency risks in your business? If you do, how can we help you minimise the risks? Do you need to hedge your interest rates?” These, says Parik Tulsidas, head of MCB’s Financial Markets, are just a few of the questions his team asks clients. It’s crucial to ask the right questions, he says, so that the right solutions can be crafted.Find out more about MCB Financial Markets and what makes them tick in our podcast MCB Talk.

Quelles sont les spécificités du MCB Home Loan, comment fonctionne la capacité d'emprunt et quelle est la meilleure approche pour préparer son dossier ? Joëlle Sadien, Regional Manager à la MCB, vous aide à y voir plus clair et vous détaille les démarches et les étapes essentielles pour préparer un dossier solide, vous permettant ainsi d'optimiser vos chances d'obtenir votre prêt immobilier.

« Mo Juice twa ? » Quand une marque se transforme en verbe dans le parler populaire, c’est un signe encourageant. Mais l’application Juice n’est qu’une partie visible de la transformation digitale dans laquelle la MCB s’est engagée.La digitalisation des services bancaires est un énorme défi et pas seulement à cause de l’enjeu financier qu’elle représente. Nous faisons le point avec le Chief Operating Officer de la Banque, Vincent Chatard et le responsable de la technologie à la MCB, Patrice Hervé.

Le financement est un élément crucial dans la lutte contre le changement climatique. La MCB a non seulement revu ses critères de financement mais compte jouer pleinement son rôle dans la finance verte.