Standard Bank Internet Banking is celebrating reaching the 250 000-customer milestone in June with the announcement that users can expect an upgrade to the service in September 2003.
The planned upgrade will involve enhanced navigation and improved speed that will reduce the time it takes to connect and transact on the site. Additional features to be launched include 180-day statements on current and savings accounts, additional investment features and the site will also cater for the visually impaired.
Commenting on the upgrade, Herman Singh, Standard Bank Director, Direct Channels says: "Standard Bank's Internet Banking is as good as any in the world in terms of efficiency and functionality. The upgrade will set us even further apart from our competitors, with a clean, clutter-free site and quick access."
Standard Bank launched its Internet Banking in 1997 and its 250 000 customers are active and regular users of the service. Dormant accounts represent only 0.5% of the customer base. Singh explains: "We clean-up our dormant accounts daily. It is good business practice and ensures we have active accounts and no ghost customers."
Singh believes Standard Bank Internet Banking's quality customer service and efficient call centre are key factors in differentiating the service and ensuring an active, loyal customer base. "Our call centre is extremely efficient in handling both technical and bank-related queries and our IT team is world-class."
Standard Bank Internet Banking views security as a priority and has a secure history. The service is built according to the highest encryption specifications and the dual password feature is an added security measure to prevent unauthorised access to accounts. Standard Bank is also the only South African bank that offers secure e-mailing of statements.
In addition to the features to be added during the upgrade, Standard Bank Internet Banking offers:
* Dual password security; * Balances and statements, printable or emailed to customers; * Electronic account payments, real-time or future-dated; * Inter-account transfers; * Overdraft management; * Secure messaging from customer to branch; * Stop payment ability; * Opening and managing of investment accounts such as call, notice and fixed deposits; * Online share-trading; and * Payment of tertiary education fees.
"Internet Banking is one of the areas of constant innovation and technological advancement in Standard Bank and we have 250 000 reasons to celebrate this month," concludes Singh.
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