FNB closes branchesThe bank has issued public notices well in advance of all closures FNB encourages customers to make use of active alternative channels or cash in-store options for their cash related transactions. Staff ReporterOver the past few years, FNB Namibia has focused on developing a strong financial service offering, with special emphasis on digitisation. This means that they are constantly finding ways and means to ensure that every customer has access to banking services without a physical branch.
The bank’s digitisation journey 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.
They review their 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of alternative channels such as Cash at Till, eWallet at Till, and CashPlus where cash can be deposited and withdrawn, especially in rural areas.
The availability of convenient and affordable alternative banking channels and their increased adoption of customers over traditional branches, have reduced volumes to a level where it is no longer viable to continue with physical presence of branches in towns such as Oshikuku, Arandis, Usakos, and Klein Windhoek.
The bank has issued public notices well in advance of all closures and has worked closely with the regulator and community leaders in areas where branches have been closed and will continue to actively engage stakeholders.
“FNB prides itself on being the ‘best financial service provider, employing the best people’ and as such will not be retrenching any staff from closed branches, but rather will redeploy them into other business units within the business,” says Rodney Forbes who is the Executive Officer: Points of Presence.
He adds that going forward, they can assure the public and its customers that assessing real customer needs is an ongoing process we continuously undertake to ensure inclusive banking for all. FNB encourages customers to make use of active alternative channels or cash in-store options for their cash related transactions.