Our History · Our Mission

About
First Trust
Savings and Loan

Since 1996, we have been building bridges between our clients' dreams and financial means — with rigor, proximity, and trust.

30^yrs

of expertise

national branches

100K⁺

clients served

4.8^Mds

FCFA share capital

1996

Year of Foundation

Our History

A Journey of
Excellence

Established in 1996, First Trust Savings and Loan (FTSL) is a licensed second-category microfinance institution, recognized by the state of Cameroon and COBAC.

With nearly 30 years of experience, First Trust Savings and Loan has established itself today as a key player in the sector, with a capital of 4,886,980,000 FCFA and a network of 19 branches spread across 11 cities in Cameroon.

Our mission is to promote economic growth and financial inclusion through simple, accessible, and secure services — adapted to all profiles, from executives to informal sector workers.

We benefit from strategic partnerships with ORA Group, ABA, Emerging Capital Partners, and Keystone, which strengthens our stability and reach.

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Our Identity

Mission, Vision & Values

Everything we do is guided by three foundations that make First Trust more than just a financial institution.

Our Mission

To improve access to financial services for the most underprivileged populations in Cameroon and Central Africa, by offering simple, secure products adapted to all profiles.

Our Vision

To become the leading microfinance institution in Central Africa by 2030, recognized for operational excellence, technological innovation, and sustainable social impact.

Our Values

Proximity, transparency, performance, and solidarity. These four pillars guide every decision — from branch reception to financial product design.

What we offer

A Complete Financial Ecosystem

From savings to credit, from mobile banking to bancassurance — First Trust covers all your needs under one roof.

Savings & Investment

Cash certificates, term deposits, savings accounts, and daily collection. Secure formulas to grow your money.

Credits & Loans

A wide range of credits for individuals, groups, and businesses in both formal and informal sectors. 48h response.

Bancassurance

Partnerships with recognized insurance companies to bring insurance closer to our clients and protect their assets.

Online Banking

e-FTSL and First Trust Mobile: manage accounts, perform MoMo & OM transfers, view statements — 24/7.

SMS Banking

Service designed to inform clients of various banking operations on their accounts in real-time.

Daily Collection

Our agents come to you every day to collect daily earnings from artisans and traders. Save from 1,000 FCFA.

Transfers & Exchange

Send and receive money globally, currency exchange (€, $US, $CA, XOF) at competitive rates per BEAC regulations.

International Payments

With our partner Keystone, pay all your bills abroad without stress or travel. Simple, fast, and secure.

Our Journey

From Resilience to Excellence

First Trust has transformed every challenge into an opportunity for growth and strengthening.

1996

Foundation of FTSL

Creation of First Trust Savings and Loan in Douala. A vision: democratizing financial access for all Cameroonians.

2008 – 2010

Challenge & Resilience

Faced with temporary administration by COBAC, FTSL showed exemplary resilience: strengthening governance and risk management.

2015

National Expansion

Deployment of the branch network across 11 cities in Cameroon. FTSL becomes a key local player.

2022 – 2024

Digital Transformation

Launch of First Trust Mobile, Mobile Money integration, and web banking. FTSL enters the digital banking era.

2025

Market Leader

FTSL becomes the leading microfinance in Cameroon in terms of deposits per CNEF and top financial results.

Leadership & Vision

Mrs. Aurore
EFFOMBO BAHOUNOUI

General Manager — First Trust Savings and Loan

Under the dynamic leadership of Mrs. Aurore EFFOMBO BAHOUNOUI, First Trust Savings and Loan has initiated a significant and profound transformation. As a manager, she has instilled a culture of innovation and operational excellence within the institution.

Her approach focused on continuous improvement and her commitment to team skill development enabled the company to overcome past challenges and reposition itself as the leader of the Cameroonian microfinance market.

Under her guidance, FTSL has become Cameroon's leading microfinance institution in terms of financial results — a remarkable performance praised by regulators and sector partners.

Our Team

A Team of Young Talents

We benefit from a dynamic team of qualified young people, passionate and committed professionals. This youth brings an innovative perspective, essential to meet the needs of a constantly evolving clientele.

Sales Team

Customer Advisors

Passionate professionals available in each of our 19 branches to support you in all your financial projects.

Digital Team

Innovation & Technologies

Talented engineers and developers making First Trust Mobile the reference application for microfinance in Central Africa.

Collection Agents

Field & Proximity

At the heart of markets and neighborhoods, our collection agents embody First Trust's promise of proximity every day.

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Partners & Affiliations

A Network of Trust

Strategic partnerships that strengthen our stability, extend our reach, and enrich our service offering.

AboutFirst TrustSavings and Loan

A Journey ofExcellence