Dear Members, Shareholders, and Friends,

As I sit down to write this message for the Annual Report of Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd., Bareilly, I am filled with a deep sense of satisfaction and gratitude. This report is not just a summary of bank’s performance over the past financial year—it is a reflection of a journey that began with hope, vision, and an unshakable belief in the power of cooperation.

When we first conceived the idea of this Bank, the financial ecosystem was vastly different. Banking, for many in urban & semi-urban areas, remained out of reach in many aspects—marked by hesitations, paperwork, and systemic barriers. Our dream was simple but powerful: to establish a financial institution that didn’t just serve customers, but empowered people—especially those who had long been underserved or overlooked by the mainstream financial system.

We envisioned a bank that would not only provide savings and credit facilities but also stand as a pillar of trust, inclusiveness, and grassroots development. With this thought in mind, a small group of us came together, combining our efforts, resources, and intent to give birth to what is now Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd., Bareilly.

In the years since its inception, we have seen remarkable growth—not just in our balance sheet, but in community impact, member strength, and credibility. This growth has not been easy. Like any institution built from the ground up, it faced a fair share of obstacles—regulatory hurdles, operational challenges, and at times, doubts from those unfamiliar with the cooperative banking model. But each time, bank emerged stronger, fuelled by its core values and the relentless dedication of team.

This past financial year, in particular, has been a testament to its resilience and evolution. Amid changing economic landscapes, increased competition, and rising customer expectations, bank continued to progress steadily. Bank adopted new technologies, strengthened its governance structures, launched innovative products, and remained committed to financial inclusion. I am proud to share that it has not only maintained financial stability but also expanded the reach in meaningful ways.

But beyond numbers, what truly matters is that the bank continues to be community-owned, community-driven, and community-focused. Urban Co-operative bank is not here merely to chase profits; but to create long-term value for its members. Whether it's a small business owner receiving their first working capital loan, a homemaker opening her first bank account, or a farmer finding a trusted financial partner—these are the stories that inspire every day.

Looking forward, I believe the next phase of the journey will require even more commitment and foresight. Bank must continue to innovate without losing sight of our cooperative identity. It must expand its digital capabilities, strengthen financial literacy among the members, and ensure our services remain accessible to all sections of society—especially the underprivileged.

I also believe that cooperative banks like ours can play a significant role in achieving larger goals, such as empowering all sections of society, and inclusive economic growth. With sound policies, responsible leadership, and active participation from members, bank can serve as a model for ethical, people-centric banking.

Before I conclude, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has contributed to this journey. To Board of Directors, for their strategic vision and guidance. To CEO and senior management, for their professionalism and execution. To staff, for their hard work and commitment. And most importantly, to members—you are the soul of this institution, and every milestone we achieve is a tribute to your trust.

Let us continue to work together with unity, transparency, and shared purpose. The future is full of opportunity, and I am confident that with our cooperative spirit and collective resolve, it will continue to achieve even greater heights.

With warm regards and renewed commitment,

Santosh Kumar Gangwar

Chief Promoter & patron of bank

Governor of Jharkhand