JOHANNESBURG - As part of a drive to enable customers to bank digitally, 603 First National Bank branches are now connected to wi-fi, which is up from 383 branches since February 2017.
Lee-Anne van Zyl, chief executive of FNB Points of Presence, said: “The expansion of wi-fi connectivity across our branch network is primarily aimed at giving customers easy access to digital banking platforms.
“The digital journey is enabled through sustained investment in infrastructure which continues to be intensified through consistent innovation across branches. As we evolve and build the branch of the future, we would like customers to be part of the journey as well.
“The bank is seeing an increase in the number of customers migrating to digital platforms at branches and opting to use the app, online and cellphone banking.”
When customers access banking services digitally there’s a direct impact on the amount of time they spend in the branch. The bank has also seen an increase in the number of customers using its Digi Zones within branches. These are designated areas within a branch where customers can access their online banking profiles.
“The increase in the number of wi-fi enabled branches simply means more customers now have an option to bank digitally in a cost-effective manner,” added Van Zyl.
“The adoption of digital banking channels is not only about cost-effectiveness, it’s also about making sure we use technology to drive financial inclusion. Second, it’s about making sure customers continue to enjoy an array of banking options, one of which is digital banking,” said Van Zyl.