/ 14 March 2002

Is it really business as usual at BOE bank?

Pretoria | Thursday

DESPITE the recent unprecedented level of withdrawals of deposits from BOE Bank Limited the bank is well-managed and sound, according to a joint statement issued early on Thursday by Finance Minister Trevor Manuel and Reserve Bank Governor Tito Mboweni.

”The current apparent loss of confidence in BOE is without foundation, as BOE is a well-managed, sound and solvent bank,” the statement said.

The statement was issued to assure the public of the unequivocal commitment of the National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank to stand fully behind BOE, and the banking system as a whole.

”Through the provision of an explicit government guarantee, all depositors of BOE are advised that their deposits are safe,” the statement added.

The statement also said it was business as usual for BOE. – Sapa