Standard Chartered Bank on Tuesday last week unveiled its first Digital Banking outlet located at Shell Ntinda in partnership with Vivo Energy.
Officials said in a statement that the launch marks the fruition of a strategic alliance/partnership between the Bank and VIVO energy Uganda which will see the Bank set up a number of similar outlets at select Shell fuel stations.
The unveiling comes with several offers, benefits and great prizes for various stakeholders who will utilise the outlet.
Clients using this digital bank over the first 3 months will enjoy a number of offers. For instance, one can get free banking for 6 months, when they open a New to Bank account.
This offer, officials said, is valid up to 31st July 2018.
When a customer deposits cash or opens a new to bank account at the Digital Bank at Shell Ntinda, he or she will “instantly win either a fuel or meal voucher worth Shs10,000.”
These can be redeemed only at the Shell fuel station and Café Pap restaurant located in Ntinda, according to the official statement, and it applies to the first 400 clients.
The CEO Mr. Albert Saltson while welcoming the guests to the launch stated that Standard Chartered Bank is a recognised innovator in the digital space saying:
“Innovation is our forte as a Bank as attested by the milestones we have achieved over the years. We believe in making day-to-day banking easier by providing a comprehensive range of digital solutions that meet the various needs of our stakeholders,” said Salton.
“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.”
On his part, the Head, Retail Banking Mr. Israel Arinaitwe while delivering his remarks said;
“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 it.”
He added, “With the launch of this Digital Banking unit, we give our customers yet another great reason to recommend Standard Chartered Bank to their colleagues, friends and family.”
This new investment comes on the back of several other digital investments that bank is making following the 2016 announcement that Standard Chartered Bank would invest $1.5bn globally in technology over a period of three years.
The Bank is making digital investments to improve the client banking experience.
Vivo Energy Uganda, Standard Chartered’s partner having signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2016 to leverage Vivo Energy’s existing Shell fuel stations to create additional points of distribution for the Bank was ably represented by the CEO Mr. Gilbert Assi.
In his remarks to the participants, The CEO Mr. Assi proudly reaffirmed Vivo Energy’s commitment to working alongside Standard Chartered Bank saying; “We are very excited about our growing partnership with Standard Chartered Bank. I would like to congratulate Standard Chartered Bank on this customer-centric innovation.”
He added, “The new digital Banking outlet is certainly an offer matched to today’s business needs. Our retailers are an easy example of businesses that need daily banking with limitless hours of operation. The launch at a Shell station reinforces our commitment to continue to give customers more reasons to love Shell. Thank you Standard Chartered Digital Banking for being an extra reason”.
The Guest of Honour, The Director Supervision Bank of Uganda Dr. Tumubweine Twinemanzi in his key note address said that the international footprint and expertise that Standard Chartered Bank has gained over the years enable it to make a tangible difference in supporting its diverse clientele.
“The Bank has the ability and muscle to navigate the technological and rapidly changing digital landscape. I strongly encourage all the Bank’s clients to exploit the vast local knowledge and international expertise of Standard Chartered Bank for the benefit of their businesses and operations,” he added.
“I commendable the Bank for remaining sensitive and responsive to the needs of its clients over the years and for embracing the fast paced digital era to keep up with the times and trends which are improving our overall banking services in Uganda.”
The Board Chairman, Dr. Robin Kibuka who shared the vote of thanks reiterated the message saying;
“We will continue making strategic investments and ensure that this brick and mortar is complemented with investments in technology so as to break 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.”
Standard Chartered Bank has been able to increase its digital footprint, gain accessibility to various catchment areas and in so doing making banking easier, faster, cost effective and safer for our clients.
With this recent innovation, Standard Chartered Bank has demonstrated that it is going the extra mile to cater to the changing needs of its clients.
