Richard Sammy to lead Republic Financial in 2027

(Trinidad Express) Richard Sammy has been announced as Group president and chief executive officer of Republic Financial Holdings Ltd (RFHL), as well as managing director of Republic Bank Ltd.

The appointments will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Sammy will replace Nigel Baptiste, who has held the position of president of RFHL and managing director of Republic Bank Ltd since 2016.

In November 2022, Sammy was one of three newly appointed Group vice-presidents of RFHL.

The other Group vice-presidents are P Vic Salickram and Karen Yip Chuck.

Sammy, whose banking career spans more than 25 years, began his journey with Republic Bank in 2009.

He has held several senior leadership positions within the Republic Financial Holdings group, including general manager, corporate and investment banking at Republic Bank Ltd, managing director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd, regional manager, Corporate Business Centre—South, and regional manager, Investment Banking Division at Republic Bank Ltd.

Sammy currently serves as chairman of Republic Bank (BVI) Ltd, Republic Bank (Cayman) Ltd, Republic Insurance Company (Cayman) Ltd, Republic Investments Ltd and Republic Wealth Management Ltd. He is also a director on the boards of Cayman National Corporation Ltd, Cayman National Bank Ltd and Republic Life Insurance Company Ltd.

“Richard’s guiding philosophy as a leader is developing and empowering people to create change and drive transformation. He is a strong believer in delivering superior customer value and uplifting communities,” a circular to staff from Baptiste stated yesterday.

RFHL yesterday recorded profit attributable to equity holders of $595.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2025, representing an increase of $48.7 million or 8.9% compared with the $547 million reported in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

Chairman of RFHL Yashmid Karamath announced the results yesterday, noting that the Group’s performance reflected steady core earnings and disciplined financial management.

Total assets stood at $131.1 billion at December 31, 2025, an increase of $7.5 billion or six% over the $123.6 billion recorded at December 31, 2024. The growth was driven primarily by increased loan activity across the Group’s subsidiaries, despite ongoing economic challenges in some operating environments, RFHL stated.

Commenting on the results, Karamath said, “The Group’s first quarter results were driven by steady core earnings, supported by stable asset quality and disciplined cost management. Our capital and liquidity positions remain robust, providing a strong foundation to sustain future growth.”

Based on the Group’s performance, the board of directors declared a quarterly interim dividend of $0.55 per share, unchanged from the prior year. The dividend will be paid on February 27, 2026, to shareholders on record as of February 13, 2026.

He also outlined the Group’s ongoing strategic focus, highlighting continued investment in efficiency, customer experience, and digital transformation.

“Strategically, the Group continued to advance key initiatives aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and investing in digital capabilities. We remain focused on sustainable growth, ensuring that innovation and expansion are pursued in a manner that aligns with our long-term value creation objectives and our commitment to sound governance.”

Karamath expressed appreciation to RFHL’s management and staff for their professionalism and dedication, as well as to shareholders for their continued support.

“I would also like to express my appreciation to my predecessor, Mr Vincent A Pereira, for his exemplary leadership, commitment and outstanding service to the Board and the organisation during his tenure,” Karamath stated.