All articles by Farah Halime
Farah Halime
Big three in Brazil to offer joint ATM access
Bradesco, Banco de Brasil and the Brazilian subsidiary of Santander are discussing a deal to share external ATMs in airports, shopping centers and supermarkets to reduce operational costs Such a move would offer customers of the three banks joint access to around 11,000 ATMs located away from branches In a joint statement, the banks said: This model will significantly increase the availability and penetration of the self-service network, and create efficiency gains when compared to the current manner that the ATM network is used by each bank.
SunTrust’s rewards to “empower” customers
SunTrust, the US bank, has launched a rewards programme to empower new and existing customers to bank online and take control of their finances The Solid Rewards Responsibility scheme, can earn new checking account clients up to $150 and current clients $100 for using its online banking service and paying bills online
Lloyds drops Halifax brand in Scotland
BoS, taken over by Lloyds Banking Group in 2008 following the near-collapse of parent group HBOS in 2008, has also kicked off a new advertising campaign in Scotland, complete with a new tagline, With you all the way.
Ally Bank expands products range with current account launch
Ally Bank, the retail banking arm of GMAC, has expanded its product range by launching an online interest current account via its www.ally.com website. The new account, part of a wider drive to increase its retail deposits (see RBI 625), requires no minimum balance and offers free access to any ATM in the US with no monthly fees. Our interest current account is another significant step as we evolve a new business model that we hope encourages customers to expect more from their bank, said Sanjay Gupta, chief marketing officer at Ally Bank.
Royal Bank of Canada to sponsor PGA
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), the biggest retail bank in Canada, has become an official sponsor of the Professional Golf Association (PGA).
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Switching promo boosts First Direct
While many retail banks marketing efforts are concentrated on keeping customers who have lost faith in the market, the UKs First Direct is finding customers flocking to it from its bailed-out rivals First Direct, the UK online subsidiary of HSBC, is cashing in on the troubles of its bailed out rivals by running the most generous account-switching campaign in the UK, and offering up to £200 to new customers.
Diamond Bank launches Nigeria’s first m-banking service
Diamond Bank is the first bank in Nigeria to launch mobile banking via a website accessible from mobile phone browsers. The new feature, available at www.diamondbank.comdiamond-mobile.html, allows Diamond Bank customers to access basic banking transactions through their mobile phone.
XacBank’s direct strategy pays dividends
Mongolias retail banking sector has captured headlines around the world by successfully targeting low-income segments of the market through a number of microfinance initiatives Bold Magvan, chief executive of XacBank, tells Farah Halime the bank plans to reach the rural population via its fast-growing direct banking channels. XacBank, the fourth-largest bank in Mongolia by deposits, will grow its retail banking market share by ramping up its m-banking and accessible microfinance business model to target the countrys rural population.
Bank of New Zealand drops fees for deposits
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) has joined its Australian parent National Australia Bank in reducing fees for retail customers (see RBI 617). BNZ dropped fees for deposits to personal accounts made via its online channels, ATMs, telephone banking and in-branch transactions with effect from 1 February.
Citi expands app to credit cards
As Liza Landsman, Citis head of North American consumer internet and mobile banking, tells Farah Halime, it has gone one step further by rolling out an app for its credit cardholders. Citi, the fourth-largest US bank by deposits, has extended its free downloadable iPhone application (app) to its credit card customers, three years after it became the first major US bank to offer its customers a downloadable mobile banking app.