As Suriname’s first and only full-fledged Islamic bank, TrustBank Amanah is redefining the country’s financial landscape. CEO Maureen Badjoeri highlights its rapid growth, with a 200% increase since its conversion in 2017 and nearly 50,000 clients today. “Islamic banking is not just for Muslims, it is inclusive and available to everyone,” she emphasizes. TrustBank Amanah’s client base reflects Suriname’s diverse society.
Islamic banking in Suriname is still evolving, but regulatory support is increasing. “Initially, there were no specific regulations, so we had to adapt to conventional banking laws,” Badjoeri explains. However, the Central Bank is now collaborating with the Islamic Development Bank to develop a formal framework, ensuring long-term growth for the sector.
The bank offers a range of Sharia-compliant funding and financing products based on equity, lease and trade for business as well as for individuals. TrustBank Amanah’s role in the SME sector is focused on providing accessible financing options and technological support. This contributes to a robust business climate and stimulates economic development in Suriname.
Financial inclusion is a key priority. “We recently traveled to a couple of remote villages, to provide residents with debit cards so they could access banking services,” she shares. TrustBank Amanah also supports women entrepreneurs by offering 0% profit-rate financing.
Digital innovation plays a central role in its strategy. “We introduced Suriname’s first WhatsApp banking service, allowing customers to check balances and make transactions easily,” Badjoeri says. Looking ahead, she envisions regional expansion while strengthening Suriname’s economy beyond oil and gas.
In addition to its commitment to the business community, TrustBank Amanah achieved a BBB+/A2 (Triple B plus/Single A two) credit rating from Islamic International Rating Agency (IIRA) at the end of last year. This recognition reflects the bank’s solid financial position, its resilient strategy and its continued growth in the banking landscape. The rating underlines the bank’s confidence as a stable and reliable financial partner for both entrepreneurs and individuals
“Suriname is an untapped opportunity,” Badjoeri states. “With the right investments, it can become a regional economic hub.”
.png)