The ARB Apex Bank commenced banking business on 2nd July, 2002. Rural Banking started in Ghana on the initiative of the Bank of Ghana with the establishment of the first rural bank, Nyakrom Rural Bank Limited at Agona Nyakrom in the Central Region in 1976. The concept suddenly became popular among a number of rural communities and to date there are 120 Rural/Community Banks (RCBs) with over 500 agencies.

The Association of Rural Banks (ARB) was formed in 1981 to, among other things: · Provide and exchange information on rural banking services in Ghana. · Promote and strengthen cordial relationship among the RCBs. · Help contribute to the development of agriculture, commerce, industry and the general well being of rural areas in Ghana. · Undertake the education of rural communities on the work of the RCBs. · Ensure that RCBs are generally seen as instruments of national development in the rural areas..