DBS was created in 1977 as a joint venture between the Government and other shareholders namely Caisse Francaise de Cooperation Economique, European Investment Bank (EIB), Deutsche Finazierungschaff Beteligungun (Germany) DEG, Standard Chartered Bank and Barclays Bank. Overtime, the shares of Standard Chartered Bank was taken over by Nouvobanq. The Government purchased the shares of DEG hence increasing its shareholding. DBS started operations at the building which is currently occupied by the Registration Office of the Magistrate Court in February 1978 with only eight staff members. The Bank moved to its present location at Independence Avenue in August 1984. In the early years, DBS was serving mainly agricultural and fisheries sectors. Over the years DBS’ business portfolio has grown to include the financing of new, modernization and expansion projects in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, industry, service and tourism, construction of commercial buildings including rental accommodation, office, storage as well as shop premises. During its 43 years of existence, DBS has evolved to become the leading financial institution in project financing in almost all sectors of the economy. DBS has also an office which operates on a daily basis on Praslin with the aim of facilitating and bringing its services closer to its clients on Praslin and La Digue.
