Barclays steps up digitalisation drive
Isaac Pinielo | Tuesday August 18, 2015 11:29
The bank’s board chairman, Rizwan Desai told a strategy session of stakeholders on Friday that with global connectivity, digital banking will be critical in facilitating business for modern companies, especially modern entrepreneurs.
He noted that the bank’s digital operating model is meaningful for serving customers both onshore and offshore.
“The fact that you are in Gaborone and not in New York should not be of relevance. What is available in New York should be available here and what is available in London or Johannesburg has to be available here as well,” he said.
According to Desai, the bank has “fairly and squarely” moved into the digital era as part of its three-year strategy. He added that they want customers to think of digital and convenience whenever they think of Barclays Bank.
He further noted that the bank uses technology to drive its future for convenience and operational efficiencies, adding that investing in technology infrastructure and new products is a key driver of the bank’s strategy.
“We decided to invest in technology as we all know that technology is that little device we carry in our pockets and bags and it is getting more and more advanced and there is demand,” Desai.
Barclays managing director, Renette van der Merwe, reiterated that the bank’s goal is to become a go-to-bank in all of its chosen sectors. She said this was a three-year journey.
“We want to be known as the most accessible and easy-to-do-business-with bank and for us to achieve this, we have to reduce the use of paper and focus on digital banking which involves online transactions,” she said.
She indicated that mobile and online channels will be the main platform for serving individuals and businesses, adding that they want to give customers some innovative banking solutions.
She added that the bank is increasing its focus on young people and providing services that well suites their preferences.
Barclays Bank has positioned itself as a ‘go-to bank’ that prides itself of being fully local, fully regional and fully international. With this, the bank seeks to leverage on its linkages to its giant parent group and its various extensions to increase innovations and outsmart local rivals. Barclays embarked on an ambitious three-year strategy, which is now in its second year and is said to be performing well.