interest rates rise,” Campbell says.“Some customers have disagreed and gone elsewhere, but we’ve had many come back later and say, ‘I wish I’d listened to you.’ Those moments reinforce that what we are doing is truly in their best interest.” Campbell likens this approach to preventive medicine, stressing that it is about long-term wellbeing, not just immediate outcomes.“It’s like a doctor saying, ‘Watch what you eat and exercise more because you may be pre-diabetic,’” he explains. “It’s about financial health, and sometimes that means saying no or suggesting a safer path. We want our customers to be financially resilient, not burdened.” MEETING CUSTOMER NEEDS WITH MODERN SOLUTIONS True to its values yet focused on progress, Astra Bank continues to evolve. The bank has embraced technology in a way that complements, rather than replaces, personal service. “Even though we are deeply committed to personal relationships, our customers still want fast, convenient service,” those products can do for them. When uncertainty hits, we can point back to those goals and help keep them on track.” PREVENTIVE MEDICINE FOR FINANCIAL HEALTH Astra Bank’s philosophy is rooted in nearly a century of history. Campbell is a third-generation banker, and his family’s legacy continues to shape the institution’s culture. “My grandfather started his banking career in May 1929,” Campbell recalls. “He had a front-row seat to the start of the Great Depression, and it profoundly shaped how he viewed banking. He used to say,‘We aren’t going to lend anybody broke.’That’s a philosophy we carry forward to this day.” This principle underscores Astra Bank’s commitment to responsible lending and financial stewardship. The bank does not hesitate to have honest and sometimes difficult conversations with customers about their economic plans.“There are times where we’ve had to tell someone that while a loan might be technically feasible, it might overextend them if 112 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 10
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