Staff Writer
“Over the past few years, FNB Namibia has focused on developing a strong financial service offering, with special emphasis on digitisation, says Rodney Forbes, Executive Officer: FNB Points of Presence. “This means that we are constantly finding ways and means to ensure that every customer of ours has access to banking services without a physical branch”.
Forbes advised that the digitisation strategy of FNB has been successful thus far and has cemented the outlook of the bank that expanding and increasing its branch and ATM footprint is not part of the bank’s overall digitalisation strategy. “We review our representation points and locations on a regular basis and take into account other offerings including digital banking technology such as USSD, Online banking and the FNB App, as well as the increasing availability of alternative channels such as Cash@Till, Ewallet@Till, and CashPlus where cash can be deposited and withdrawn, or Ewallets can be withdrawn at retailers in rural areas”.
Forbes added that regulation around banking fees and the banks’ desire to offer affordable banking solutions, meant that it was not feasible or viable for physical points of representation in towns such as Oshikuku.
He encouraged customers to make use of active alternative channels for their cash related transactions, digital channels for non-cash related banking such as statements. Account opening activities will continue through our Contact Center and Outbound sales teams.
Oshikuku, at this stage, has four active merchants – J Tanzila Mini Market, To Be With You Mini Market, Shoprite U-save and Ok Value that offer Cash@Till and Ewallet@Till – where cash and Ewallets can be withdrawn at subsidized transaction fees. Customers are also able to make cash deposits at – J Tanzila Mini Market and To Be With You Mini Market.
“We have seen a steady increase of transactions by our customers at these merchants and trust they will continue to make use of the numerous alternative banking channels on offer in Oshikuku. All of these are designed to ensure that channels remain affordable and accessible to all Namibians,” concluded Forbes.
