Citi opens 1st smart banking branch in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Citibank (Citi) has launched the first-ever smart banking branch in the country, located in its Makati branch along Paseo de Roxas St.

Citi describes a smart bank branch as a ”revolutionary banking experience designed to attract, engage, and connect clients with products and services, all on demand.”

Citibank Philippines Consumer Business manager Sergio Zanatti said that the smart bank branch gives the customer control over their banking needs with minimal or no human intervention.

That includes opening a savings account, book a time deposit or apply and get a credit card all within a few minutes, done by the customer facing interactive electronic machines similar to ATMs.

“We wanted to create an environment that will be attractive to our clients and the public,” Zanatti said, during a private media tour of the state of the art branch, which represents one of the biggest investments the bank has made in its consumer banking operations this year. 

Citi in the Philippines joins 11 other markets in the launch of Smart Banking branches across Asia Pacific.

There is an interactive media wall that displays a diverse range of product information as well as services menu that can be found in the branch, similar to a menu in a mobile phone or a computer.

The instant account opening stations that allow customers to conduct banking transactions such as opening an account virtually paperless and at their own pace.

There is even a video chat facility that offers immediate access to the bank’s officers in other locations.

Clients can also open an account from a tablet that Citi Service Associates carry around the branch. 

A global first, Citi Philippines offers clients the convenience of opening accounts from an iPAD as they comfortably lounge anywhere in the branch.

Citibank also places a premium on engaging and connecting clients – and that’s where all the user friendly technology comes into play.

“We have re-engineered our processes adding simplicity and speed to create instant and paperless transactions that are so much easier for our clients.  We are creating a new customer interaction model that is more aligned with our time, more engaging and giving customers more ways to connect with us anytime anywhere.  This is how we are redefining the whole banking experience,” Zanatti added.