25 Jun

Heritage Bank Celebrates Excellence at The 2026 Minute Maid National Spelling Bee

As a long-standing supporter of educational initiatives throughout Belize, Heritage Bank was honored to once again partner with the organizers, sponsors, educators, and families who make this prestigious national competition possible. The Bank recognizes the dedication, discipline, and perseverance demonstrated by every participant throughout the competition.

Heritage Bank extends special congratulations to the 2026 National Spelling Bee winners and recognizes the efforts of all finalists who showcased exceptional talent and determination throughout the competition.

25 Jun

Heritage Bank Completes 21st Home Through House Build Initiative

by heritage2 in News

The House Build Initiative reflects Heritage Bank’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development. It serves as a reminder that meaningful change can be achieved when individuals come together to support one another. The gratitude and happiness expressed by the families who receive these homes continue to inspire volunteers and reinforce the value of the program.

As Heritage Bank celebrates this milestone, the organization remains committed to its vision of creating stronger communities and improving lives through sustainable support and meaningful partnerships. The Bank looks forward to continuing the House Build Initiative and helping more Belizean families achieve the security and stability that comes with having a place to call home.

18 Jun

Know Your Money

by heritage2 in News

29 Oct

New Belize Currency Care

by heritage2 in News

20 Jul

Heritage Bank Ltd Celebrates its 20th Anniversary in 2021

by Aziel Cowo in News

To commemorate and celebrate its 20^th Anniversary, Heritage Bank Ltd has promised to undertake a very generous gesture. The Board and Executive Management have decided to focus on an area of great need in the country – that of Housing.

For the past 4 years the Bank has collaborated with Hand in Hand Ministries to fund and build one home every year for a deserving family. This year instead of building one home, the Bank is partnering with Hand in Hand Ministries to build homes for deserving customers of Heritage Bank up to a value of $20,000.00 each. This is in line with the number of years the bank is in existence. In 2021, the Bank promises to build 12 homes – one per month.

We welcome applications from customers countrywide to be a part of this great initiative. Interested customers may apply to become a new homeowner. The Application Form is readily available on the bank’s website and at any Heritage Bank countrywide. Completed applications may be submitted to any Heritage Bank branch or by email to hr@banking.bz

The Bank got off to a running start in February with the Blessing and Handing Over of the 1^st of 12 homes which we have committed to provide to 12 deserving customers in 2021.

The Bank staff in collaboration with Hand in Hand Ministries, the recipients’ family members and willing volunteers started construction on Wednesday, February 17^th, and worked diligently to complete the house by Wednesday, February 24^th, following all Covid protocols.

Mr James Witty, Ms. Keyannie Lino, and their 3 children are the very appreciative recipients of the 1^st home. Following a short House Blessing Ceremony, with all partners present, the keys to the home were handed over to the family. In Ms Keyannie’s own words, “a big thank you from deep, deep down. Thank you Heritage Bank, we really and truly appreciate this, it is beyond words… thank you.

Since the first home was built in February 2021, Heritage Bank Ltd in collaboration with Hand in Hand Ministries has constructed 5 more homes for deserving families! Unity, the state of being united or joined as a whole, was displayed at each House Build and although 6 homes have now been built for the year, the exuberant atmosphere is still alive as though it were the 1^st home being built.

The 2^nd House Build for the year was in Pomona Village, Stann Creek, for Mr. Michael Acosta. The House Blessing took place on March 24^th and as usual, it was an unforgettable and touching experience handing over the keys to the new homeowner. Mr. Acosta, along with his wife and 2 kids, accepted the home with gratitude and humility.

May 4th was a day of Blessings for Ms. Priscilla Peters and her Mom, as they were the recipients of the 4^th home. The House Build started on April 28^th in Dangriga and was completed on May 2^nd. Ms. Peters had tears of joy and couldn’t put into words how great she felt to be blessed with a new home! The Heritage Bank staff, along with Hand in Hand couldn’t help but join Ms. Peters in this very heartwarming experience. As Henri Nouwen once said,” Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”

25 Jul

Heritage Opens Sub-branch in Ladyville!

by Aziel Cowo in News

Wednesday July 17th, 2019 marked a momentous occasion as Heritage Bank celebrated the Official Inauguration of its 3rd Branch in the Belize District, centrally located at Mile 9 Philip Goldson Highway. This represents the 12th branch office for Heritage Bank country-wide and in the words of the Branch Manager, Mrs. Shanna Ciego, “while for some we may be still seen as the baby of the bunch, we are certainly demonstrating that we have the knock-out punch”! The Ladyville community has experienced a significant population growth spurt over the last decade and is now home to a robust business community. The opening of this office, along with the now 3 ATMS within a one-mile radius, will together offer greater convenience and accessibility to the residents and businesses of Ladyville and the surrounding communities, while contributing to their social and economic development.

Tremendous strides have been made in technological advancement in Belize and this new digital era provides, without a doubt, numerous opportunities for businesses and banking across the country . As one of the early pioneers of electronic banking in areas such as, cell phone banking using SMS text messages, prepaid cards gift cards and more recently, e-loans, Heritage Bank continues to enhance its digital platform which allows you to conduct banking in real time. As you enjoy the convenience of anytime, anywhere from digital services, we recognize that you also value face-to-face client services at our branches. To this end, we will continue to strengthen and expand the amalgamation of our digital platform with our physical branches to deliver what is coined as “Phygital Banking” services to you. The Bank’s Chief Risk Officer, Dr. Philippa Duncan spelt out our own approach to this new phenomenon: Heritage Bank’s “Phygital Model” exemplifies our commitment to realizing our Vision to become the Premier Financial Institution by enabling inclusivity and greater reach of our services in all geographic locations and among all age groups in Belize.

25 Jul

Heritage Opens Office in Spanish Lookout!

by Aziel Cowo in News

As a bank that is very keen on delivering good customer service, the chemistry is very important to us and it played a big role in our decision to proceed with this branch. The entrepreneurial spirit coupled with respect, professionalism and the strong desire to innovate, which we have noticed, reflect values that we ourselves espouse and strongly adhere to as enshrined in the Bank’s set of Core Values. It is therefore an honor for us to have been considered when the Community was faced with identifying a banking operation to serve its residents and those of surrounding communities. Spanish Lookout Community exemplifies what is possible with hard-work. It is an important part of our agricultural sector and plays a critical role in the country’s food supply. We fully embrace the agricultural base of its economy and are happy to support its continued contribution to the productive sector of our country

Over almost two decades of existence, Heritage Bank has demonstrated to its customers and the Belizean community that it truly is The Bank That Gives You More. Very importantly, we have demonstrated that we are prepared to go even to those areas where no other banking concern wishes to venture. For us, Belize is our only market and our Staff stands with great pride in continuing to work towards our vision of being the Premier Financial Services Institution in the country. We fully recognize that being in a business where the products are so easily duplicated, the difference-maker becomes the service that we deliver. It is understood that the delivery of customer service is not limited to the physical buildings and the reasonable expectation of our customers is that we will take advantage of technology. Last year, we expanded our electronic channels to offer customer service support through our secure and convenient Live Chat portal. This has already proven to be a very useful channel for our customers. We have just recently expanded our online services to include E-Loans, whereby you can apply for personal loans and residential mortgage loans online from the convenience of your homes or offices.

19 Jul

Heritage Opens Office in Santa Elena Town!

by Aziel Cowo in News

Our commitment to the development of Western Belize and its residents began in 2005, just over four years after receiving our license to conduct banking in Belize. We planted roots in Belmopan City on the 26th November 2005; four years later we established a branch in San Ignacio Town on the 5th of January 2009. Two years later on the 1st of December 2011, we cemented our presence as the First bank in the town of Benque Viejo Del Carmen. Today we are very happy to continue delivering on our commitment in extending our footprint to you – the First Bank to establish a full time operation in Santa Elena Town. We are pleased to share with you that Heritage is proving to be the vehicle of change in the lives of Belizeans all over the country, as it adopts innovative delivery channels and products to provide affordable and accessible banking services to you.

12 Jan

Orange Walk Opening

by heritage2 in News

On August 19, 2016, the Bank celebrated another milestone to its 2016 successes being the Inaugural Ceremonies for the newly built Orange Walk Branch. The ceremonies began slightly after 3pm and the guests were delighted by The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Luis Pook who did a splendid job in both English and Spanish. Cultural presentations were prepared by the ‘Saasil Ja’ Group of Yo Creek, a Mestizo Children’s Dance Group. We were graced in prayer by Rev. Edwin Orosco from La Inmaculada Roman Catholic Parish. Special Guest Speaker was none other than, Mayor of Orange Walk Town, Mr. Kevin Bernard and also seated at the Head Table, was our Managing Director, Mr. Duncan. Welcome address was given by Orange Walk Branch Manager, Mrs. Yasmira Espadas and the Vote of Thanks was given by Branch Supervisor, Mr. Arnel Caceres. The guest list included customers, community members, HBL directors and staff. After the ceremonies, the balloons were lifted in the air and champagne was popped in celebration. A light snack was served and everyone enjoyed the company of the customers and other members of the team on such a memorable occasion. We take this opportunity once again to thank the Directors for trusting in the Orange Walk Community, Mr. Anthony Thurton (the architect), Mr. Hugh Crawford (the contractor) and his team for such a beautiful structure that now captures the attention of all.

12 Jan

FCIB Acquisition

by heritage2 in News

Albert Street

In 2015 when the Heritage Bank team members were working diligently towards annual goals and objectives, there was a change being undertaken by CIBC First Caribbean Bank. The Directors of that institution made a decision to wrap up their business services in Belize. This decision meant that other Banks in Belize would have the opportunity to purchase the assets of the CIBCFCIB Belize business. When this opportunity arose, it was with foresight of the potential benefits that our Managing Director made every effort to ensure that Heritage Bank was in contention to bid for the assets of CIBCFCIB in Belize. It was through determination and sheer will that the Managing Director led the effort that eventually materialized into Heritage Bank being the Bank left standing to reap the benefits of the CIBCFCIB Belize acquisition.

The work to transform an acquisition into a transition of assets was no easy feat and proved to be a humbling experience. However, the Heritage Bank team members were up to the task and rose to the challenge. After a few false starts and delays, all teams mobilized and ensured they were ready to do their part. Operations & IT worked weekends and late nights to prepare for the transition. Throughout the transition, there were countless hours spent organizing, preparing cards for delivery, cleaning data, addressing customer concerns and a host of other related tasks. The instantaneous growth in customer-related activities led to a new team being added. The BPC, Business Processing Center, mobilized quickly and took on these activities successfully.

The toll of extra work and late hours showed on the faces of team members but everyone kept pace with the changes and were determined to make the transition a success. The overwhelming feeling that we were about to accomplish something that had never been done before in Belize kept everyone focused throughout the late nights. We were making history in our daily efforts. A small local Bank was in the trenches taking over the assets of a larger, International Bank. This had never before happened in Belize, and may not happen again in the near future, and the Heritage Bank team wanted to make its mark.

Belmopan & Orange Walk

Post transition, the changes continue throughout the Bank. The benefits of the acquisition are beginning to bear fruit. The hard and diligent work by the staff has not gone unnoticed. There are new opportunities opening up for promotions, cross training and wider growth. There are numerous new team members who have joined the Heritage Bank family in the city and at district branches and we welcome them to the team. The Bank has seen overnight growth in its customer base with over 7000 new deposit accounts and over 4000 new lending accounts being added from the acquisition, doubling the Balance Sheet over one weekend. Through all the disruption and challenges, the bottom line shows that at least 99% of the transitioned customers have been successfully integrated into the Bank’s services.

Under the tutelage of our Managing Director and Board of Directors, we continue to streamline our new responsibilities. The workload is still high for many, some have adapted well and some continue to work through the challenges but all have embraced the new reality of Heritage Bank which can no longer be referred to as a small local Bank. From inception to implementation to completion, the transition proved to be an undertaking of David and Goliath proportions. We were out of our comfort zone but we grew, we thrived, we learned, we endured and now we can move forward knowing that Heritage Bank is stronger and more agile to take on new challenges.

It is with gratitude and warm hearts that we thank all those who did their part in making this historic transition a resounding success. As we go through our busy day, it is easy to overlook our successes and accomplishments. Let us all be sure to look back and appreciate where we were just a few months ago and then look around you and appreciate where we are now. We are standing on a more solid foundation that will take the team into a more successful future at Heritage Bank.