Africa-Press – Eswatini. Following the permanent closure of its main branch located at the First House near Betfusile Street in Mbabane, the First National Bank (FNB) on Monday opened its renovated branch at the Corporate Place.
The bank permanently closed the branch at First House on Saturday and has relocated to the branch at Corporate Place, which was reopened on Monday.
Despite the bank announcing the recent changes for the better part of last week, on Monday several clients still needed adjusting to the new change as they sought banking services at the former business place.
A few customers said that they were used to Mbabane branch, as it had operated there for many years and wondered why the branch was closed. Some said they had visited the branch to use the auto teller machines, while others stated that they wanted to access other banking services such as opening bank accounts.
They were directed by the security personnel to the branch and informed of the notice which stated that the branch was permanently closed.
“The Mbabane Branch will be closing its doors permanently on Saturday March 19, 2022 at 12pm. “Enjoy the newly-improved Corporate Place branch for all your banking needs, which will be opened on Monday March 21, 2022,” read a notice pinned on the walls of the bank, which is the same that was published in the media.
Another notice issued by the bank last week informed the bank’s clients that the renovated branch at Corporate Place will be operating as of yesterday. Renovated “Experience our newly-renovated corporate place branch, opening on Monday March 21, 2022. Services available include Branch Banking, Private Banking Wesbank and homeloans,” read the announcement.
On Monday morning, the bank branch, which previously had limited, space opened its doors to unveil more service stations and spacious working place. Some of the customers stated that they were impressed with the renovations and the new furniture that the bank had unveiled.
When the Head of Branch Banking Thembi Silombo was asked on why the bank decided to close the branch at First House, the manager said this was as a result of the digital banking intensifying and their customers having shown that they preferred to bank via mobile, digital platforms or self-service ATMs and ADTs.
Branches
“The number, size and location of branches that handle customer traffic is being reconsidered by the Bank as such was the case with Mbabane Branch,” she said. Asked on how the new branch has been made to accommodate the clients who were serviced from the closed branch, Silombo said the Corporate Place branch, which opened on Monday and had undergone a major facelift.
“The branch’s new-look and bigger space is much larger footprint of teller stations and consultants desk in order to service customers quicker. Deposits “Our tellers have been increased from six to eight and our consultants from six to ten.
Customers also have the option of self-service banking in the branch hall via the internet kiosk, with Online Banking readily available. for 24/7 cash deposits, ADTs can be accessed right outside the branch or downstairs at the FNB self-service lobby,” she said.
She said in addition to the day-to-day branch banking services, the modern design also includes home loans, private banking and WesBank services available to customers.
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