Dubai - The Emirates Bank has expanded its self-service banking network to 145 self-service terminals.
These terminals are a mix of ATMs, automated instant cash deposit machines and automated cheque deposit machines. The bank has recently-installed new ATMs in various high growth areas, including Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, Ibn Batuta Mall and is in the process of installing many more ATMs such as, in both Ajman and Sharjah City Centres.
The bank has ambitious plans of expanding its network to the other high growth areas in the country. For the first time, the bank is installing automated instant cash deposit machines at offsite locations serving cash deposit needs for its customers, and hence, reducing the load on its branches.
During last year, the bank registered a very high growth in the usage of all self-service channels. For example, the transactions on automated cash deposit machines have grown more than 70 per cent and the amounts deposited in these machines increased by 128 per cent compared to the previous year. "The unprecedented growth in the usage of these self-service channels has proved that for most day to day transactions, the customers prefer to use these instead of traditional branches. We have been pioneers in self-service banking in the region and our belief in these services has been vindicated by such wholesome customer acceptance," said Louis Scotto, General Manager Retail Banking Emirates Bank.
The bank's electronic channels include Online Banking, Mobile Banking via SMS and Phone Banking. These channels saw their usage surge by 60 to 90 per cent compared to the previous year. "We have added a number of new features and functionalities in our electronic banking channels to make them more useful and easier to use. Now, our customers are increasingly opting to use these channels," he added.
For the first time in the UAE, the bank has launched 'meBANK on Wheels', a mobile self-service branch. Located inside a custom-designed vehicle, 'meBANK on Wheels' offers banking services at the customer's doorstep, including cash withdrawals, automated cash and cheque deposits and online banking services.
© Khaleej Times 2005
