Business Continuity Policy

BUSINESS CONTINUITY POLICY

Access Bank Zambia is committed to improving the resilience of its operations in the face of unforeseen events and disruptions, as well as ensuring the optimum delivery of financial services.

Access Bank Zambia has implemented and is certified to best practice standards and frameworks which is ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management System). The implementation was conducted by harmonizing all activities together, which resulted in the Business Continuity Management System (BCMS).

As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. We are also committed to the effective implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of the management systems to support the achievement of our business goals.

Framework for Setting Objectives

The setting of business objectives will be used as guidance in the setting of lower level, more short-term objectives for business continuity planning within an annual cycle timed to coincide with bank’s budget planning. This will ensure that adequate funding is obtained for the improvement activities identified. These objectives will be based upon a clear understanding of the overall business requirements and how they may change during the year.

 Access Bank Zambia’s Executive leadership is committed to proactively: 

• Implement the necessary capabilities to ensure the continuity of its critical business functions in the event of a major disruption or disaster and to ensure the recovery of those critical functions to an operational state within an acceptable timeframe.
• Ensure that the Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) objectives are set and that adequate resources are allocated to achieve them. The BCMS objectives shall be consistent with business requirements and compatible with the strategic direction of the Bank.
• Obtain ideas for improvement through regular meetings with customers and stakeholders.
• Raise the awareness of all employees and stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of achieving the BCMS objectives are understood.
• Ensure that all employees are made aware of and understand the IMS policy, procedures and supporting documentation through training and the provision of information. Compliance will be confirmed because of formal internal audits and management reviews, which will be conducted at least annually.
• Continually improve the effectiveness of the IMS across all areas within its scope.
• Enhance current processes to bring them into line with good practice as defined within ISO 22301.
• Achieve certification for the Business Continuity Management System and maintain it on an ongoing basis.
• Increase the level of proactivity (and the stakeholder perception of proactivity) about the ongoing management of the IMS.
• Make processes and controls more measurable to provide a sound basis for informed decisions.

This policy is publicly available to all interested parties and is reviewed periodically to take account of applicable local, statutory, regulatory, and customer requirements and any changes in business activity.

This Policy applies to all Bank employees, its contractors, its consultants, and other individuals affiliated with Third Parties who have access to the Bank’s information or business interests.

Thank you.

Lishala C. Situmbeko
Managing Director, Access Bank Zambia.