By Dipo Olowookere
The recently introduced digitally-led retail banking services by Standard Chartered have commenced operations in Ghana and Tanzania.
The South Africa-based financial institution launched the services in the two West African nations over the weekend, giving residents of the countries the opportunity to enjoy seamless banking services.
In January 2019, Standard Chartered launched similar services in Uganda, while in 2018, the digital banking operations launched in Côte d’Ivoire.
The expansion is part of the Bank’s overarching digital transformation strategy for the African continent.
The most recent roll-outs provide Tanzania and Ghana with access to the mobile-led digital bank platform, which has added benefits such as instant account opening (available in local and US currencies), zero fee on bill payment, zero monthly ledger, no minimum balance, and free initial ATM cards.
Customers will also benefit from over 70 client services, as well as a client onboarding experience in under 15 minutes. Additionally, the roll-out will offer customers exclusive retail, travel and dining experiences through the Bank’s strategic local alliances.
Commenting on the launch, Sunil Kaushal, Regional CEO, Africa and Middle East said: “Digitising Africa continues to be an integral component of our strategic transformation, and we have been steadily expanding our footprint across the continent.
“We are constantly looking for ways to push the boundaries, by providing our customers innovative solutions and technologies.
“Ultimately, it is about listening to what our clients want and meeting their banking needs by offering a digital platform to do their banking anytime and anywhere, through the channel they prefer.”
Standard Chartered’s digital bank roll-outs are aimed at increasing digital adoption amongst customers, with a focus on young digital natives. To support this, the Bank is running a marketing campaign which will remind consumers that banking should not stop them from doing what they love to do, and when they want to do them. The campaign, called ‘//BEUNSTOPPABLE’, will run across traditional and social media in the markets.
As part of the activation launch in Tanzania, Standard Chartered has also partnered with local Tanzania recording star Vanessa Mdee, who will lend her image and voice to the //BEUNSTOPPABLE campaign. In Ghana, the Bank has collaborated with leading influencer, TV host and actress, Joselyn Dumas to support with the campaign roll out.
Both Vanessa and Joselyn will participate in activations which will take place throughout the year. The bank’s digital services are available by downloading the Standard Chartered mobile application via the Google play store or Apple store.
