The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has contributed to a large proportion of banking sector customers changing their behaviour patterns, according to Bank Audi – Egypt CEO Mohamed Bedir.
This change, which has happened at both the global and local levels, has seen customers tend to expand their use of banking and financial services, taking into account social distancing measures to limit the virus’ spread.
Speaking exclusively to Daily News Egypt, Bedir said this has now provided Egypt’s banking sector with real opportunities to expand digital banking services. This is set to contribute towards reducing infection rates, whilst also achieving the Central Bank of Egypt’s (CBE) goals to strength financial inclusion and transition to a cashless society.
He noted that Bank Audi – Egypt has seen an increase in customers using the bank’s electronic banking channels, as the number of payments via mobile phone increased 56% between March and May. He also noted that the number of Internet banking transactions using the bank’s online facilities increased by 11%, and the Internet banking customers rose by 10%.
Bedir pointed out that, to cater to increased customer demand, particularly with the growing volume of electronic banking transactions, Bank Audi – Egypt aims to expand on its digital banking services and products. The bank’s move comes on the back of the effective role these digital services play in preventing exposure to the coronavirus and the risk of infection.
The bank is currently automating some procedures relating to loans and bank card applications through digital-on-boarding systems, Bedir added. This move is set to contribute to greatly facilitating the customer’s banking experience, making the procedures for obtaining bank loans and cards faster and easier.
In the current period, the bank is additionally scheduled to complete the procedures for launching a new package of banking services through its mobile application. Working in cooperation with an international company, this is set to include bill collection and e-commerce services.
Bedir added that Bank Audi – Egypt aims to continuously work towards updating its banking services and products, to meet the needs of all its customers. The bank’s administration is also interested in implementing the latest and most advanced technologies to provide the customer with a speedy, easy, and safe banking experience.
