KINGSTON, Jamaica – National Commercial Bank (NCB) maintained its grip on the most prestigious and coveted award for the maintenance of international best practices in local business for the fourth consecutive year.

At the annual Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) Best Practices Awards banquet, held in Kingston on December 4, NCB swept away with the 2013 Governor General’s Award for Excellence, as well as copping prime positions in other award categories.

“NCB proudly adds this outstanding achievement to its list of wins for the past financial year, mindful that it is a powerful symbol of our dedication as a financial services group to excellence in service to our valued shareholders and customers,” said Group Managing Director Patrick Hylton on receipt of the Governor General’s Award.

Hylton noted that the award was particularly welcome because it is given by the Governor General to the overall winner of the JSE Best Practices competition and most importantly to the company that maintains international best practices.

“The Bank is immensely pleased that our hard work and business acumen continue to distinguish us in this manner. This victory is particularly pleasing to the NCB team as it was hard won in an increasingly challenging and highly competitive local financial services sector,” said Hylton.

NCB, as was the case in previous years, also walked away with other top prizes, chief among these being the Best Practice’s Best Annual Report Award, won for NCB’s Jamaica 50/NCB 175 edition of its annual report, the bank said in a release.

The bank also received the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica’s Corporate Governance Award; a joint win with Scotiabank. NCB was also second runner-up in two highly competitive award categories: Best Practice Corporate Disclosure & Investor Relations and Best Practice Website (listed companies), which was shared with LIME Jamaica.

An NCB subsidiary, NCB Capital Markets, was also second runner-up for the JSE Member – Dealers Expansion of Investors & Listed Companies Base Award and for the JSE Member-Dealers Revenue Generation & Market Activity trophy.

The JSE Best Practices Awards were established as an avenue to recognise listed companies and stockbrokers in the securities industry which uphold best-practices standards. They are also intended to enhance the relationship between the JSE and its stakeholders, create awareness of the standards for best practices in the various areas.