All over the world, the art of banking is changing in a rapid pace on the back of technology. Not only do these changes bring convenience to consumers but it improves the efficiency of banks’ operations while ultimately cutting down on its operational costs.
With the changing nature of technology comes the need for banks to catch up to offer unparalleled service to their customers while improving their bottom line. Established in 1965, ADB has grown to become one of the banks which rely heavily on technology to serve the needs of its customers.
To be ahead of its competitors, more than 32 banks, means that the bank must constantly innovate to remain relevant. Having run its core banking platform for some time, the bank saw the need to upgrade to improve on the user-experience via the introduction of an array of new features.
Since joining the Bank in 2016, the Managing Director, Daniel Asiedu has led a new transformation agenda of the Bank to become more customer-driven and focused.
Mr. Asiedu’s vision is to make ADB, the best bank in Ghana within the next three years and this he hopes to make possible through the use of modern technologies and tailor-made products and this upgrade, he said, is one of such key initiatives towards achieving that vision.
The upgrade is supported by leading cutting edge technology infrastructure which has excess capacity to deliver the very best banking experience to the bank’s customers. This technology has capability that has immensely reduced the waiting and transaction times across all service channels.
In addition, the security architecture of the bank’s systems and applications have also been bolstered with world class firewalls to provide the most secure banking experience to the customer. The user experience on the new platform is very friendly, less cumbersome and more efficient in performing transactions as compared to the former.
Previously some of the challenges embedded in the system included having to navigate several menus and screens to perform one transaction, resulting in increased turn-around and waiting times to the dissatisfaction of many a customer. Another issue was the overstretching of systems resources – that caused significant slowness in performing transactions as well as delivering general services to customers.
But the successful completion of the upgrade has seen the introduction of additional functionality to perform more advanced transactions. The mobile and internet banking platforms have become more responsive, supported by a more visually appealing user interface to deliver more flexibility, speed and value to the customer.
Of course customers are assured of their security as the platforms are also armed with a robust enterprise-grade security feature to further protect the customer from theft and fraud.
Basically, the upgrade of the core banking platforms enhances the user-experience for customers using the bank’s mobile app, Visa Cards, Internet banking and the USSD services.
The mobile application, which can be downloaded via Google Playstore for Android or App Store for iOS, serves a rich list of services that brings more convenience to the consumer. In addition to the routine features which include account and balance enquiry, buying of airtime, payment of utility bills (electricity, DSTV, Gotv, Blu, Surfline, Busy 4G etc), the mobile app allows for the instant transfer of funds to customers of all other banks in the country.
The app also makes it possible for customers to transfer funds from their bank accounts to any mobile money wallet. Some other features the mobile app comes with are allowing customers to request for cheque books, check the statuses of loan facilities etc.
Regarding the features of ADB Visa debit/ prepaid/ credit cards, customers are assured of secured hassle free transactions irrespective of whether the transaction was conducted in Ghana or abroad. The cards which meet the latest chip technology solution can be used for online shopping as well as used in over 200 countries and more than 27 million merchant locations worldwide.
For customers worried about the integrity of their transactions when paying bills or shopping online, they should be rest assured that the cards are secured by Verified by Visa (VBV) solution which is the most secured standard on the globe.
The ADB Quicnet, the bank’s internet banking platform offers similar services like the mobile app in addition to allowing customers stop cheque payments or initiate loan repayments. This platform allows consumers to have a direct access to the customer care department when they have issues that need to be addressed.
The bank has also made a provision for customers who do not have smartphones by allowing them access a raft of services via the USSD *767# system. When customers dial the USSD code, they are given access features such as: Account Balance & Transaction Enquiry, transfer funds between accounts held at ADB, transfer funds to other customers in different domestic banks, Top up airtime for all networks among other features as listed for the mobile and internet platforms.
Overall, the bank’s upgrade to these platforms is not only being responsive to the dynamic needs of customers but also matches its current drive as a bank to be one of the leading banks in the country delivering excellent banking services and solutions to its esteemed customers.