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Thriving Together: Celebrating 145 Years of Inspiration and Impact!
The world was a very different place back in 1878 when VM Building Society first opened its doors and offered its first mortgage loan to a hardworking, ambitious teacher from Portland. This was just 13 years after the Morant Bay Rebellion, a period rife with social and financial inequity. But, even in those challenging times, a bold dream was born – one built on the principle that all people deserve the dignity of equal access to financial empowerment, and inclusion in the systems of upliftment that had for too long been reserved for the privileged few.
This is the foundation on which VM was established. In each ensuing decade, we have remained true to our promise to partner with the Jamaican people to help them achieve financial wellbeing, regardless of social standing or circumstances.
Responding to the changing needs of our Members, our operations have grown to become what is today - the Strong, Integrated VM GROUP with offerings that go well beyond traditional savings and mortgage loans. And in recent years, we have accelerated this growth with a purposeful transformation – through digital innovation, cultural evolution, international growth and a proactive drive to develop and enhance our product and service offerings.
In 2021 we underwent a brand transformation, to bring our storied history as a beloved global player in the financial sector, into alignment with our brand image. And this year, we marked a new era with the formation of new holding companies, VM Financial Group and VM Innovations Limited.
All this we achieved through the unwavering loyalty and faith you, our Members and clients, have in us.
Now, 145 years since our very first day, while much has changed, some things have remained the same. And that is the sacred dream we all hold in our hearts to build for ourselves and our families, tomorrows that are better than our yesterdays; and the enduring strength and boldness of the Jamaican spirit in reaching for that dream.
Like that teacher from Portland all those years ago, we understand that for many of us, the path to generational wealth is hard work, commitment and ownership. We firmly believe that despite the many societal ills that challenge us, this can be a reality for all.
It is our mission and our promise – to continue to stand with you into any great future you can dream of. We are certain that together, hand in hand, we can thrive and achieve a more inclusive and empowered financial future for all Jamaicans.
