Business
HSBC Sri Lanka bolsters digital banking capabilities to support customers’ remote banking needs
The global pandemic has accelerated the shift to digitization with faster transition journeys and the rapid adoption of digital channels, which will continue into the future. HSBC Sri Lanka, has helped customers navigate and adapt to the changing digital landscape which will be essential for customers to fulfil their banking needs as part of the new normal.
Over the course of the last twelve months, the bank has seen a significant increase in customers actively using its digital banking platforms. More than 75% of customer transactions are done digitally through the bank’s online banking and mobile banking platforms. This has resulted in a 117 percent growth in fund transfers compared to last year amid the pandemic, which is a testament to Sri Lanka’s fast evolving digital behaviour. Today, with real time payments enabled, customers can make payments to anyone, anytime and also move funds across geographies if you are a non resident Sri Lankan (NRSL) living overseas.
Furthermore, e-statement penetration has increased from 50% to 75%. This means customers prefer e-statements to paper statements via mail which has seen many interruptions.
With limitations on physical interactions and the emphasis on social distancing, HSBC is contining to enhance its digital banking platforms to fulfil the needs of customers and closely match the personalised banking experience that was offered over the counter, by investing in new technology and placing focus on three key areas:
• Simplify banking
• Servicing and messaging
• Security
Over the course of 2020, HSBC invested USD5.8 billion in technology to help transform the bank globally. With the goal of becoming the leading wealth manager in Asia by 2025, HSBC is committed to significantly invest in digital to enable clients to manage their wealth in their pockets supported by the trusted expertise of its people.
Nadeesha Senaratne, Country Head of Wealth & Personal Banking, HSBC Sri Lanka further stated, “As a leading international bank, HSBC is continuing to invest in market –leading intelligent digital solutions to help customers engage with us, and enjoy the convenience to bank from anywhere, using their smartphones. We want every customer to have the bank in their pocket. Through our investment in technology we also want to bring truly personalised, seamless and integrated wealth to all our customers, enabling them to interact with us how they want and when they want, and this is more than just having access to the transactional services, but also borderless banking.”
He further said, “In order to get there, we still need to focus and deliver on the important everyday services and features that customers need and expect. That means further strengthening our cybersecurity, making all kinds of payments and transfers fast and easy and making product applications instant.”
As such, HSBC Sri Lanka will continue to accelerate its digital banking capabilities by offering the following innovations and new technology.
Payments and Transfers
• Digital onboarding for credit cards, loans and accounts
Converting from paper application forms, HSBC now offers a digital banking experience for customers who want to apply for a credit card, loan or open an account without having to visit a bank branch. This will also enable customers to know if they are eligible for the aforementioned products in real time. In accordance with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) guidelines issued last October, the bank plans to further enhance this service with a virtual Know Your Customer (e-KYC) within 2021, that would provide a streamlined onboarding process with a digital signature, to offer a truly end to end digital banking experience and help reduce the use of paper.
• Account deposits, bill payments and credit card payments through CEFTS
Customers can pay their utility bills or third party transfers online, as the bank has made the customer journey simpler and faster, so any repeat payments can be done instantly. HSBC credit card bills can be settled with 18+ other local banks through CEFTS in real time without customers having to visit a third party payment point or branch.
• Card payments through digital wallets
The bank partnered with market leading digital wallets – UPay and FriMi to offer customers the flexibility to make HSBC credit card payments in a safer and convenient manner.
In January this year, the bank rolled out real-time credit card payments through cash deposits machines (CDM) at several of its branches. Customers will be able to use these machines as a self-service terminal, to deposit money into their credit card or bank account/s 24/7, with deposit receipts issued immediately. This will also help customers to avoid queues and filling out forms at branches.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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