If banks don't give up branches, they modernize them.
TOP-5 innovative bank branches in the world.
Currently, mobile banks are gradually replacing traditional bank branches, forcing large banks to introduce new approaches to customer service. At first glance, they have only one way out - to follow the new trends and offer clients completely remote management of their accounts and finances. However, some banks have found another way to meet the needs of their customers while keeping up with their more technologically advanced competitors. We're talking about modernizing old and boring offices into modern, innovative and more comfortable ones.
Online banking is currently developing extremely rapidly. But we cannot deny the fact that the banking industry is one of those areas that touches on really personal and sometimes sensitive issues (for example, many people prefer face-to-face contact when it comes to lending or debt problems). Here are some more findings from the study:
What conclusion do we arrive at? Consumers are certainly taking advantage of new technologies that make their day-to-day tasks easier and faster. However, most clients are not ready to completely abandon personal communication with bank representatives, especially when it comes to problems with debt, investments, mortgages. Thus, bank branches will continue to be in demand. But for this, banks need to modernize them.
1. Banco Galicia (Argentina)
Banco Galicia is one of the largest financial institutions in Argentina. The bank can afford a new modern branch with multifunctional rooms, halls and public tables. The branch also provides meeting rooms, self-service stations and free Wi-Fi zones. The designers decided to move from old / traditional office desks to flexible and modern workspaces.
2. CaixaBank (Spain)
One of Spain's leading retail banks, CaixaBank, has opened a “branch of the future” in Barcelona. Innovations are already visible at the entrance - customers can register in a special machine by simply holding their smartphone to it. After that, the financial institution instantly identifies the client and warns the responsible manager that his client has arrived.
The branch's self-service area includes ATMs equipped with facial recognition technology developed by CaixaBank. Here customers can withdraw cash by confirming their identity with a picture of their face instead of the traditional PIN.
The branch covers an area of about 3 thousand square meters and serves about 22 thousand clients. It has a team of 80 employees.
3. DBS (Singapore)
Singapore-based DBS Bank has created an extraordinary space for a generation of innovative technologies. The creators adhere to the concept of "cafe + department".
But fresh coffee is not the only feature of the department. DBS offers an amazing VR corner for retirement planning, advanced CCTV ATM machines, and a Pepper robot that helps customers.
4. BNZ (New Zealand)
BNZ Bank has introduced a new branch with a unique recognizable design to make clients feel more comfortable when dealing with banking issues. The new branch of the bank is equipped with self-service areas, semi-private rooms and completely enclosed meeting rooms, which facilitate the workflow.
5. Virgin Money (UK)
Virgin Money is a fairly large player in the market. The financial institution is also known for its most convenient, comfortable, interesting lounge areas.
The Haymarket Lounge, located just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus in London, offers customers the opportunity to relax while watching TV or Virgin Money information on a large interactive touchscreen display.
In addition to cutting-edge banking technology, the branch has an airplane seating area where you can experience a special atmosphere, given the history of the Virgin Group in aviation.
TOP-5 innovative bank branches in the world.
Currently, mobile banks are gradually replacing traditional bank branches, forcing large banks to introduce new approaches to customer service. At first glance, they have only one way out - to follow the new trends and offer clients completely remote management of their accounts and finances. However, some banks have found another way to meet the needs of their customers while keeping up with their more technologically advanced competitors. We're talking about modernizing old and boring offices into modern, innovative and more comfortable ones.
Bank branches or mobile app: what customers want
According to a study by ORC International, at least 88% of American adults said they still need to go to bank branches. Moreover, 80% of them are sure that their opinion will not change even after 3-4 years.Online banking is currently developing extremely rapidly. But we cannot deny the fact that the banking industry is one of those areas that touches on really personal and sometimes sensitive issues (for example, many people prefer face-to-face contact when it comes to lending or debt problems). Here are some more findings from the study:
- 84% want access to a living person to discuss their banking needs, 84% expect that these needs will not change over the next five years;
- 86% currently use online access to pay bills and functions such as transferring funds, 88% plan to do so in the future;
- 68% use paper checks to make payments, 62% plan to continue to do so in the next five years.
What conclusion do we arrive at? Consumers are certainly taking advantage of new technologies that make their day-to-day tasks easier and faster. However, most clients are not ready to completely abandon personal communication with bank representatives, especially when it comes to problems with debt, investments, mortgages. Thus, bank branches will continue to be in demand. But for this, banks need to modernize them.
TOP-5 innovative bank branches in the world
1. Banco Galicia (Argentina)
Banco Galicia is one of the largest financial institutions in Argentina. The bank can afford a new modern branch with multifunctional rooms, halls and public tables. The branch also provides meeting rooms, self-service stations and free Wi-Fi zones. The designers decided to move from old / traditional office desks to flexible and modern workspaces.
2. CaixaBank (Spain)
One of Spain's leading retail banks, CaixaBank, has opened a “branch of the future” in Barcelona. Innovations are already visible at the entrance - customers can register in a special machine by simply holding their smartphone to it. After that, the financial institution instantly identifies the client and warns the responsible manager that his client has arrived.
The branch's self-service area includes ATMs equipped with facial recognition technology developed by CaixaBank. Here customers can withdraw cash by confirming their identity with a picture of their face instead of the traditional PIN.
The branch covers an area of about 3 thousand square meters and serves about 22 thousand clients. It has a team of 80 employees.
3. DBS (Singapore)
Singapore-based DBS Bank has created an extraordinary space for a generation of innovative technologies. The creators adhere to the concept of "cafe + department".
But fresh coffee is not the only feature of the department. DBS offers an amazing VR corner for retirement planning, advanced CCTV ATM machines, and a Pepper robot that helps customers.
4. BNZ (New Zealand)
BNZ Bank has introduced a new branch with a unique recognizable design to make clients feel more comfortable when dealing with banking issues. The new branch of the bank is equipped with self-service areas, semi-private rooms and completely enclosed meeting rooms, which facilitate the workflow.
5. Virgin Money (UK)
Virgin Money is a fairly large player in the market. The financial institution is also known for its most convenient, comfortable, interesting lounge areas.
The Haymarket Lounge, located just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus in London, offers customers the opportunity to relax while watching TV or Virgin Money information on a large interactive touchscreen display.
In addition to cutting-edge banking technology, the branch has an airplane seating area where you can experience a special atmosphere, given the history of the Virgin Group in aviation.
