Digital transformation is the cornerstone of Attijariwafa Bank Egypt’s strategy, said the bank’s Retail and Business Banking Director Abderrafie El Hachimi.
He told Daily News Egypt that the bank plans to launch several services and digital banking solutions this year, including Internet Banking for individuals and companies.
The bank intends to issue Meeza cards, Egyptian National Payment Scheme, in the first quarter (1Q) of the year to attract new segments of customers, as well as MoneyGram for cross-border money transfer, especially in the Gulf countries, along with contactless smart cards.
How would the bank support financial inclusion in the Egyptian market?
Attijariwafa Bank Egypt has great experience and offers several innovative solutions for financial inclusion programmes, which are characterised by ease of use, in order to attract new segments of customers.
The bank’s financial services include issuing debit and electronic payment cards, which are issued with discounted expenses, as well as payroll cards for company employees, which can also be used for purchases. The bank also offers Business Debit Cards for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Moreover, we provide non-financial services, including consulting under the NilePreneurs Initiative, to educate low-income citizens and small investors about the facilities they can obtain to finance their projects, how to submit the application and prepare documents.
Financial inclusion is part of the bank’s marketing plan for 2019, to spread banking awareness in governorates and remote areas, such as youth centres and local schools, as well as arranging advertising campaigns targeted to attract those customers.
What are the services the bank aims to provide in 2020?
Attijariwafa Bank Egypt believes that digital transformation is the cornerstone of achieving the bank’s strategy. The bank plans to launch several new digital banking services and solutions this year, including Internet Banking services for individuals and companies.
We will also launch MoneyGram for cross-border money transfer, especially in the Gulf countries. This is a new market for Attijariwafa. The bank will also issue contactless smart cards, to speed and facilitate payment for purchases. The bank intends to link debit and credit cards to Meeza network to enable the bank’s customers to conduct all government payments using the bank cards. We intend to issue Meeza cards in 1Q2020, to attract new segments of customers. We will also offer personal loan applications on the bank’s website, which allow quick approval of loans.
Does the bank target specific segments with its services or products?
Attijariwafa Bank Egypt targets all segments of the society, as it provides a set of products that suit everyone, to encourage them to open bank accounts, especially owners of small and medium enterprises. This sector represents a major importance for the bank due to its great role in economic development.
Does the bank intend to open electronic branches in the coming period?
Our strategy towards geographical expansion includes adding new services and branches that enable us to reach the target segments in a way that serves financial inclusion. This will take place gradually in the coming years where Attijariwafa Bank Egypt is present in 18 governorates and is looking to expand and open new markets in order to attract new customer segments.
The bank’s branch network now includes 64 branches and 79 ATMs, covering most cities and governorates.
The bank works to enhance its branches with electronic services and to develop communication channels with its customers via internet banking services, mobile banking, and interactive ATMs.
