BUSINESS REPORTER
Atlas Mara’s Zimbabwe unit, BancABC has rolled out a virtual banking service called Branch X which will allow depositors to interface with the bank teller through digital platforms such as video or telephone to perform banking transactions as if there were in a banking hall.
This is the first time such a concept has been introduced in Zimbabwe.
BancABC said plans were at an advanced stage to add WhatsApp videos to the options.
This means, customers are able to do internal transfers, real-time gross settlement payments, balance enquiries, and bill payments.
The service also allows customers to load their remittance receipts directly onto their Prepaid VISA Card.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way the world does business,” BancABC Zimbabwe managing director, Lance Mambondiani said at the virtual launch which was screened live on the pan-African bank’s Facebook page on Wednesday.
He said the virtual branch will give customers a “digitised service with a human touch” adding that provides uninterrupted service to customers.
Head of strategy and innovation and new products, Patricia Mugabe, said: “The current COVID-19 crisis has allowed us to accelerate our plans to respond to the changes in the delivery of banking services worldwide.”
Head of retail and business banking, Hope Marere, who was also part of the Virtual Launch said: “Worldwide, nobody ever imagined a crisis of this nature (coronavirus) and Branch X has proven to be a powerful tool for us to connect with our customers in a new way.
“Our customers are facing an unprecedented disruption of their daily lives.
They have important questions about their money, whether the bank is open or if they will be safe when they get there, the virtual branch allows our customers to communicate with a real person, they know and trust.
The future of banking has arrived and if you are not already part of the #ATeam, it may be time to switch to the yellow side of life.”
