Nuestro Banco | Banco de Occidente

Historia

1970 - The bank expanded beyond Cali, opening branches in Palmira, Pereira, and Armenia, reaching a network of 15 offices.

1973 - A new phase began under the guidance of the Sarmiento Angulo Economic Group, strengthening the bank with capital and experience, transforming it into a nationally and internationally recognized institution.

1976 - The Credencial credit card system was launched.

1977 - The subsidiary Ventas y Servicios was created to provide outsourcing services in administration, operations, collections, database maintenance, telemarketing, and market research.

1981 - Leasing de Occidente was established to support the modernization needs of Colombian companies.

1982 - Banco de Occidente Panamá, a subsidiary of the Colombian bank, was founded.

1982 - The corporate visual identity was updated to move away from a regional image and bring more dynamism to the bank and its subsidiaries.

1984 - An annual ecological book series was launched, starting with Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, highlighting Colombia’s natural wealth.

1991 - The subsidiary Fiduciaria de Occidente was created.

1993 - The Blue Planet National Ecology Award: Water, the Principle of Life was launched to recognize efforts in water education, conservation, and recovery.

1997 - A majority stake in Leasing del Comercio was acquired and merged with Leasing de Occidente.

1997 - A new headquarters was inaugurated in Cali’s historic center, now considered one of the city’s top infrastructure projects.

1998 - Banco de Occidente joined Grupo AVAL, alongside AV Villas, Banco de Bogotá, and Banco Popular, offering customers a broader network for interbank transactions.

2010 - Leasing de Occidente was integrated into the bank’s operations, creating the Banca Leasing business unit and expanding the product and service portfolio.

2012 - A new business unit was launched to offer housing financing.

2014 - The Corporate Strategy Project was implemented, introducing a customer-focused business model with three specialized units: Companies, Individuals, and Credit Cards & Payroll Loans.

2014 - A new branch was opened in Cali on Avenida del Río, in partnership with Banco de Bogotá.

2015 - The corporate visual identity was updated again, and a modern office model was introduced.

2017 - Banco de Occidente launched its Digital Transformation initiative and established the Digital Lab.

2018 - The sustainability strategy was strengthened.

2019 - On December 31, 2018, the Business Group Structure was formalized, with Banco de Occidente under the control of Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo. All companies in the group share unity, purpose, and direction under his leadership.

2019 - The slogan was updated from "Create" to "On the side of the doers."

2019 - Corporate Strategy – 4 Pillars:

Distinctive for our clients
Agile and effective decision-making
Digital transformation
Productivity

2021 - Sustainability:

In August, the Sustainability Strategy was built and consolidated.
In September, the Sustainability Department was created to oversee initiatives in four key areas: Corporate Commitment, Development of People, Regions and the Country, Environmental Care, and Business Growth.

2022 - Sustainability initiatives:

In January, the bank joined the UN Global Compact.
In February, the Act Sustainably project was launched to implement the sustainability strategy across the organization.
In March 2021 greenhouse gas emissions were measured, covering administrative offices, service branches, and subsidiaries in Panama, Barbados, and Fiduciaria de Occidente, using the GHG Protocol.
In June, the first Sustainability Report was published under GRI standards, highlighting key milestones and challenges.

2023 - Sustainability and Reputation:

Received GPTW (Great Place to Work) certification as the best workplace in Colombia in the 1,500-employee category, and as the best workplace for women.
Ranked 3rd in the Punto Cardinal reputation ranking among major.

2024