Banking for Standard Chartered Bank Uganda customers in Uganda has further been made easy with the launch of the first digital banking outlet at Shell Ntinda in Kampala.
The launch of the digital unit on Tuesday was done in partnership with Vivo Energy and the first 400 clients to transact business over the first three months at the facility will instantly receive a fuel or meal voucher worth Shs10, 000, but can be redeemed only at Shell fuel station and Café Pap restaurant in Ntinda.
The launch of the Ntinda digital banking outlet marks the beginning of the setup of similar outlets in selected Shell fuel stations. Those who open new accounts will get free banking for six months.
At the new unit, clients can do cash withdraws, fund transfers, account inquiry, bill payments, phone banking and mobile money transfers and account opening.
The bank CEO Albert Saltson, while addressing guests at the launch ceremony talked of the significance of the facility, saying it will make day-to-day banking more much easier as the bank provides a range of digital solutions that meet the needs of various stakeholders.
“Innovation is our forte as a Bank as attested by the milestones we have received over the years, he said adding that: “As the world increasingly goes digital and our clients follow suit, it’s imperative for us as a service business to adapt and move with the trends in order to remain relevant and deliver our aspiration to be the Main Digital Bank for our clients.”
The Head, Retail Banking, Israel Arinaitwe, said investment in technology brings about efficiency in the provision of services but also creates convenience for the Bank’s clientele.
“We are investing heavily in technology to improve our efficiency through simple and standardized solutions so we can deliver easy, convenient banking through whatever channel the client prefers and whenever the client wants,” he said.
In 2016, Standard Bank announced it would invest US $1.5 billion globally in technology over a period of three years and the launch of the digital banking unit at Ntinda, officials say, is part of the project meant to improve the client banking experience.
While speaking about the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding between Standard Chartered Bank and Vivo Energy, the latter’s CEO Gilbert Assi said his company’s clients are some of the businesses that need daily banking with limitless hours of operation.
“The new digital banking outlet is certainly an offer matched to today’s business needs; he said the launch of the facility at Shell station will serve its customers better.
Speaking at the launch event, Bank of Uganda Executive Director in charge of Supervision, Dr. Tumubweine Twinemanzi who was the guest of owner encouraged the Bank’s clients to use the facility, continuing that the Bank has remained sensitive and responsive to the needs of its clients over the years. He lauded the Bank for embracing the digital era to keep up with the times and trends “which are improving our overall banking services in Uganda.”
The Bank’s Board Chairman, Dr. Robin Kibuka, on his part said they will continue making investments in technology so as to break the barriers of traditional banking. “Investments in technology like this digital banking unit will ensure and guarantee that your bank never closes as they are available to you 24/7,” he said.
He said Standard Chartered Bank through its digital footprint has made banking easier, faster, cost effective and safer for clients.
