In 1992 MCB proudly opened its first Yangon branch in an old heritage building, built in the very early 1900’s situated right in the heart of the city at No. 383, Corner of 37th Street and Maha Bandula Road. The bank took over ownership of the building in 2013 and continued banking business in the premises for many years building its reputation as a modern, dynamic and innovative Bank with one of the fastest growth rates of any Bank in Myanmar.
MCB however is not an average Bank, it is a Bank that treasures tradition and innovation in equal measure as well as its status as one of the oldest, privately owned Banks in the country embracing timeless values of integrity, honesty and transparency. It should, therefore, be no surprise that MCB chose to restore and renovate a heritage building in a tasteful, elegant manner designing a modern, functional interior combining heritage with efficiency while breathing new life into a heritage building and its surrounding district, steeped in history.
The 90-year-old, 60’-6” high, 4-storey brick-noggin building (50’-6” x 103’-6”) with metal roofs was built around 1920 and was previously the large music warehouse of Messrs. Misquith Ltd. from 1930. The company and its building were renowned for the famous Myanmar produced piano specially adapted for the country’s tropical climate. It was also the sole authorized agent and distributor for the world-famous ‘His Master’s Voice’ gramophone and records. This historical building is considered to be a fine example of colonial era architecture through its proportion and balance. It is included in the Yangon City Heritage list with its stone carved, lovingly restored musical symbols decorating the upper porch ceiling reflecting the building’s origins and history.
On July 1, 2020, after conclusion of the major renovation, MCB Head Office and main Yangon branch relocated to this heritage building. Phyu Pwint Khyne, Chief HR and Administration Officer of MCB Bank who took on a strong leadership role in the renovation of the building said “the whole restoration project was a labour of love for MCB Bank, a love of the city of Yangon, Myanmar and the communities that MCB serves where we aim to play our part in conserving the city’s heritage and its architectural, aesthetic and historic values”. She concluded by stating that “MCB is hoping to shortly be awarded the much-coveted Blue Plaque from the Yangon Heritage Trust, this award would be a great honour for the Bank and the great team of MCB staff and contractors who worked on the project.”
MCB CEO, Godfrey Swain concluded “it is so fitting that in the same month that MCB officially launched its new, state of the art, MCB Citizens Banking App, now available on Apple App Store and Google Play, the Bank also officially returned back to its roots in Yangon. The Bank is proud to accommodate its staff and welcome customers into new, super modern, comfortable offices full of light overlying what must one of the most beautiful and impressive banking halls in Yangon where our Retail, SME, Commercial and Corporate clients can conduct their business enjoying the superb MCB service in our new MCB flagship branch on the ground floor”.
