Barclays Bank Botswana says its’ investment in digital technology, innovation and new state-of-the-art branches are already paying dividends. In an interview with Sunday Standard, the bank’s Chief Operations Officer (COO), Pele Moleta said the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) listed commercial bank will maintain focus on improving its branches so they encompass all services.
“Having invested in ample ATM’s providing accessibility for customers across Botswana, the bank has now created more reason for customers to use the ATMs at their suitability,” said Moleta.
He stated that customers can now deposit cash without having to queue in the banking hall, while Barclays’ intelligent ATMs service is available outside normal banking hours.
“Therefore, businesses and individuals can now deposit their day’s takings without having to be concerned about banking hours. Barclays’ enhanced service delivery and improved self service electronic channels will ultimately assist in taking the bank further into the communities within which it operates and the people of Botswana at large,” said Moleta.
He added that the banks’ ultimate goal is to make for a more efficient and more pleasurable banking experience. Her further said Barclays will be able to deliver faster turnaround time because it has introduced more electronic banking channels and enhanced its customer facing processes such as account opening. Barclays has a goal of becoming the ‘Go-To’ bank in the market for every customer, personal or business. Under its One Africa strategy, the bank was able to move its skills, expertise and processes across the continent. The strategy will further benefit customers who wish to expand into Africa.
Moleta pointed out that Barclays is continually implementing software upgrades to ensure that its machines remain safe and secure for all transactions. The regular software updates will enable the bank to introduce innovative new services that will harness banking convenience, without the need for customers to visit a branch. The COO further pointed out that Barclays needs to retain and improve its market share in Botswana especially since competition has become stiffer because of new entrants in the banking industry, from not only banks but also other lenders.
“We are targeting both the unbanked and under-banked as we become revolutionary. We work closely with the Financial Intelligence Agency to fight syndicates on financial crime,” he stated.
Moleta said he believes great opportunities exist as the future of banking is exciting because of fast changing technology and more creative and unique ways of taking banking to customers and also making banking more convenient.
