HSBC UAE'S Mobile Banking app proves hugely popular with customers and takes the lead in Apple app store's Finance category just 48 hours after launch
HSBC UAE recently launched its new Mobile Banking solution in UAE, delivering a specially tailored version of the bank's Internet Banking platform through mobile browsers and an app for Apple devices. The mobile banking app achieved a ranking of No. 1 in the Finance category on the UAE Apple app store within 48 hours of launch. The new mobile banking app was also rated amongst the Top 25 most popular "Free" apps
"The response from customers to our mobile banking solution has been truly encouraging. In the first two weeks almost 15% of total logons on Internet Banking were through mobile. While we are not the first to market with a mobile solution, we focused our efforts towards developing an enhanced customer friendly interface and improved technology that is more modern than many other offerings in the market. Looking at the uptake of the app on the UAE app store, our customers evidently second that," said Robert Crossman, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, UAE, HSBC.
The app was launched in response to a survey conducted by the Bank in the UAE which revealed that 94 per cent of its 2,580 respondents used a Smartphone. This concurred with independent research carried out by the Informa Intelligence Centre which projected that Smartphone penetration in the UAE would leap 15 per cent between 2009 and 2015.
According to Crossman, as mobile phone penetration increases, solutions such as HSBC's Mobile Banking will become the future of digital banking: "We are witnessing a trend where more and more banking customers will be moving away from desktop computers and going mobile. We look forward to charting these trends and bringing efficient banking solutions to our customers."
The release of the app marks the first time that HSBC customers who own any Apple device can have access to most of the same functions as desktop users. By connecting via any GPRS, 3G and wireless (Wi-Fi) network customers in the UAE can view account details and transaction history, transfer funds between HSBC UAE accounts, access exclusive credit card offers in the UAE and worldwide, make credit card and bill payments, view exchange rates, and more.
Customers do not need to register for the new service. They simply need to download the free app and then enter their existing HSBC Personal Internet Banking username and password as they would to access their account through their desktop. Alternatively, customers can visit www.hsbc.ae using their Smartphone's web browser and access HSBC Internet Banking following standard log-in process.
The HSBC Mobile Banking App is available for free from the UAE Apple app store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices at http://itunes.apple.com/ae/app/hsbc-uae/id475681838?mt=8
-Ends-
About HSBC in the MENA Region
HSBC is the largest and most widely represented international banking organisation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with operations in 14 countries. HSBC has branches and offices in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Algeria and the Palestinian Autonomous Area. In Saudi Arabia, HSBC is a 40% shareholder of Saudi British Bank (SABB), and a 49% shareholder of HSBC Saudi Arabia for investment banking in the Kingdom. In Iraq, HSBC holds a majority shareholding in Dar Es Salaam Investment Bank. HSBC also maintains a representative office in Libya.
This presence, the widest coverage of any bank in the region, comprises some 285 branches and offices, and around 12,000 people. In the full year 2010, HSBC made a profit before tax of $892 million in the MENA region.
Contact Information:
Farah Farooq
Senior Manager, Regional Communications
Retail Banking & Wealth Management
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
Tel: +97144235635
Email: farah.farooq@hsbc.com
© Press Release 2011
