“We, at FNB Namibia, are pleased to announce the launch of our full service Cellphone Banking. FNB customers who register for Cellphone Banking will be able to do their banking from anywhere using their mobile handsets to buy prepaid cellphone airtime, request account balances, obtain mini statements, transfer money between accounts and make beneficiary payments,” FNB CEO Leonard Haynes said.
The launch of FNB’s Cellphone Banking will make any cellphone in Namibia a banking channel. FNB’s Cellphone Banking uses a menu based [USSD] technology enabling customers to perform banking transactions, increasing mass market reach and adding functionality.
Once registered, the customers of FNB will be able to transact with peace of mind using their cellphones at any given time, anywhere. Banking will, in essence, be accessible, safe, affordable and very easy, the Bank CEO said.
Haynes stated that the launch of FNB’s Cellphone Banking was in line with the appeal of the Minister of Finance who urged the financial sector to develop comprehensive banking products for the under-and un-banked population of Namibia. “We, as the leading financial service provider took up the challenge by the Namibian Government, without any hesitation, that commercial banks should indeed develop products that will inculcate a savings culture for people of all walks of life, including those at the lower end of the market,” Haynes confirmed.
The CEO added that FNB Namibia was excited about the reach its Cellphone Banking will have on the industry. “It is the perfect opportunity to bring the benefits and convenience of banking to the people, a business concept that ties in neatly with our corporate philosophy of How can we help you?,” Haynes stated.
It is very expensive to create fully-fledged branches across the enormity of Namibia. It is equally difficult and expensive for customers living in remote areas, traveling long distances to their nearest branch for banking services. “It is inconceivable for banks to establish banking access everywhere. In line with our sales and service excellence culture, Cellphone Banking is, therefore, a natural progression to confirm the leadership role we play in the financial sector, hence, the imperative need for us to bring top of the range Cellphone Banking to the people”, the Bank CEO said with confidence.
He further mentioned that customers will receive real-time confirmation of financial transactions from the free inContact messaging service that FNB Namibia offers. The CEO advised that customers need to take the same care as when using any other banking channel. Haynes assured customers that FNB’s Cellphone Banking is safe, secure and easy to use.