The idea of a private sector bank was conceived by Dr. Yesu Persaud in the late sixties. It was held in abeyance but reactivated in 1991, at a time of Glasnost and more international openness. The process of liberalization had just begun, with the shift from rigidly controlled to a more open economy emerging. Dr. Yesu Persaud’s entrepreneurial instincts, coupled with his solid understanding of the economy, led him to the view that there was a need for a truly Guyanese bank—a bank that would capture the latest technology and provide export trade finance, all while offering high-quality, personalized and competitive products and services. Indeed, Dr. Persaud envisioned a bank that would serve as a catalyst for growth. It was the beginning of another chapter in Guyanese history - the first private sector indigenous bank was in the making. Demerara Bank Limited was incorporated on 20th January, 1992. A share capital of $250M was required. Dr. Yesu Persaud’s vast personal and indeed corporate connections (local and foreign) acquired through his chairmanship of Demerara Distillers Limited, were tapped into to secure backing for this venture. It received overwhelming support and was very largely over-subscribed. On 12th November, 1994, Demerara Bank Limited was declared open by His Excellency, Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Citizens Bank with its headquarters located at 231 -233 Camp Street and South Road, Georgetown, had assets of $US 241.8 million at September 30, 2018. Our one hundred and fifty-one (151) employees serve a customer base of more than fifty-two thousand, seven hundred (52,700). We provide retail and commercial banking services through our branch network of six (6) branches. They are 24-hour services through ATM’s which are located at each of our six branches as well as at five (5) off-site locations including a recent ATM addition at Amelia’s Ward in Linden. As we continue to growth and expand, we seek more avenues to improve services to the wider population.

Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited has a rich and successful history of over 180 years that began with the establishment of the first Commercial Bank in British Guiana, the Colonial Bank, in May 1836, continuing with the operations of Barclays PLC. In 1987 the assets and liabilities of Barclays PLC were acquired by the Government of Guyana and renamed Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited. GBTI was officially opened to the public on December 1, 1987. In January 1990, GBTI merged with Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd formerly Chase Manhattan Bank N.A, and in 1991 the Bank was privatised. With over 1,800 shareholders, the majority shareholder Secure International Finance Company Inc. holds 61% of the shares. Today, GBTI provides an extensive range of services to its Corporate and Individual customers. Personal Savings, Business and Investment Accounts; Personal, Housing and Business Financing; Credit Cards and Visa International Debit and Credit Cards are all offered by our Corporate Office and twelve (12) Branches spread across Guyana.

Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc., formerly Guyana Finance Corporation Limited, was incorporated as a limited liability company on May 22, 1995 under the Companies Act 1991 of May 27, 1997 By Special Resolution on July 30, 1998 the Company's name was changed to Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc. The Company was licensed by the Bank of Guyana under section 6 (2) of the Financial Institutions Act 1995 to carry on non-depository financial business in Guyana with the exception of Trust business effective March 16, 2001 and opened for business on June 26, 2001. The Company, having been Registered under section 47 (1) of the Securities Industry Act 1998 to carry on Business as a Broker with effect from July 16, 2003 was admitted to membership of the Guyana Association of Securities Companies and Intermediaries Incorporated in accordance with Rule 3.04 Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc. is a subsidiary of Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry.

As Canada’s most international bank, Scotiabank has been operating in Guyana since 1968. Today we operate five branches across the country and offer a complete range of retail and commercial banking services — including online banking and electronic cash management. Scotiabank opened its first Guyanese branch in the capital city of Georgetown in 1968. With the five branches strategically placed throughout the country, Scotiabank continues to offer a complete range of retail and commercial banking, including electronic cash management and Merchant Services. The Bank also offers business banking services to small- and medium-sized businesses. Scotiabank is a strong supporter of various community initiatives. Scotiabank Guyana’s contributions range from sports causes and HIV/AIDS, to education and arts and culture with a focus geared towards children, non-profit organisations, and the aged. Our Purpose: To be the best at helping our customers become financially better off.

Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited's history spans 180 years, originating in 1836 as the British Guiana Bank, which has several firsts: It was the first commercial bank to start business in the colony of British Guiana. It was the first indigenous commercial bank and it was the first bank owned by the indigenous private sector. In 1914 the British Guiana Bank was purchased by the Royal Bank of Canada and became the second foreign-owned commercial bank in the history of the country. In 1984 after 70 years in Guyana, the Royal Bank closed its operations and sold the bank to the Government of Guyana. Thus came into being the new financial entity – the National Bank of Industry and Commerce Limited, which was converted into a public company when the Government sold approximately 50% of its stock to local private sector interests. National Bank of Industry and Commerce Limited is the only bank in Guyana that has changed from local ownership to foreign ownership then, full circle, to local ownership again. The establishment of the first private indigenous bank to operate in British Guiana was on November 11, 1836. Business commenced in Georgetown on February 16, 1837 and in New Amsterdam on March 06, 1837. Prior to this establishment the economy of the country was not conducive to banking as both external and internal trade were largely on a barter basis. Many products such as tobacco, sugar, cotton and rum, were used in exchange for other goods. Money was not yet accepted as a medium of exchange. Towards the end of the 18th century, however, Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo began to experience economic growth and with it, an increase in the circulation of money.

The Bank of Guyana was established by virtue of the Bank of Guyana Ordinance No. 23 of 1965. Actual operation commenced on October 16. 1965 – seven months before the country gained political independence. The early establishment of the Bank was promoted by an agreement of the U.K. Government (acting for the still colonial members of the British Caribbean Currency Board (BCCB) and the Trinidad & Tobago Government), for the dissolution of the BCCB by mid-1967 and the cessation of issuance of currency after 1965. Within the context of the economic policy of the Government, the Bank shall be guided in all its actions by the objectives of fostering monetary stability and promoting credit and exchange conditions conducive to the growth of the economy of Guyana.