"A Tradition that began with a vision"    

One hundred and thirty years ago, a few good men had a great vision. It was a vision to establish a building society that would help poor Jamaicans to become proud homeowners. Inspired by then Rector of the Kingston Parish Church, Rev. G.W. Downer, The Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) was formed on November 14, 1878, " to meet the needs of the deserving thrifty".

Their vision became a reality that same year, when a Schoolmaster from Portland became the first member of the Society to obtain a mortgage loan of £100. After the 1907 earthquake, the island suffered a tremendous economic setback and Victoria Mutual's growth was stymied. However, after World War I, money circulation increased in Jamaica and the Society's growth was greatly improved. By 1928, VMBS achieved approximately £500,000 in assets, and growth during the post-World War II period produced swift economic recovery for Jamaica. This had a positive influence on the Society's progress. By the time Jamaica attained nationhood in 1962, Victoria Mutual neared its £3 million mark.

Following the first branch opened at Duke Street, a full-service branch was opened in 1974 at 73-75 Half Way Tree Road and a third in Spanish Town in 1975. The Society has now grown to include a network of 15 branches, locally, and several representatives and agents in the United Kingdom and North America.

Today, VMBS is not just a building society, but is a member of a corporate group of companies, which includes: Victoria Mutual Insurance Company, Victoria Mutual (Property Services) Limited, Victoria Mutual Wealth Management Limited and Victoria Mutual Money Transfer Services.

Since its inception in 1878, VMBS has focused on transforming its savers into homeowners. Savers in Jamaica and overseas, have remained loyal to the Society, having developed trust and confidence in its mode of operations over the years. Membership has grown to yield a base of over 700,000 accounts, with clients residing in over 50 countries across the world.

Over the years, Victoria Mutual has built a tradition of excellence and integrity. The organisation has become one of the most successful building societies in Jamaica and the Caribbean - success born of hard work, integrity and the sustained confidence of its savers, borrowers and business partners.