Digital banking gets a face-lift through innovation from First National Bank

South Africa currently has an estimated 16% smartphone penetration which, according to information technology research company Gartner, will ramp up to 80% by 2014. Global sales of tablet computers and smartphones are predicted to exceed PC, notebooks and netbooks in 2011. The application (app) market is predicted to grow by 60%.

With the emergence of new technologies, the pace of technological advancement and the introduction of gadgets in the market, banking has been made easier, more flexible, accessible and paperless. A number of innovative banking products and services in the market are evidence of this, including FNB’s latest mobile digital channel – the FNB Banking Application for smartphones and tablet computer devices.A first in South African innovation, the Banking App seeks to change the face of banking for business and individuals.

The Banking App has an extensive road map, and provides easy access to banking through a single sign-on process. It allows customers to take banking to the next level, making it possible for them to find FNB branches and ATMs using location-based services, as well as access to an immediate FNB branchlist directory.Free calls to any FNB contact centres can be made using the device, and cheap outbound calls to other numbers.The Banking App has functionality for users to view foreign exchange rates.

In addition to these value-added services, it allows customers to have immediate and secure access to their bank accounts; view account lists; view a detailed transactional history; perform transactional services such as transfers between accounts, as well as pay beneficiaries.

The App is designed for quick deployment into new and existing markets, as it works off any network and off a 3G or WiFi
access medium.For smartphone and tablet device users who require mobility and multifunctionality, the App gives the multi-tasker a quick, one-stop and convenient banking experience.

To demonstrate that customers are finding the application easy to use and convenient, the App was the top free App in South Africa for a number of days in the South African store, surpassing even Google+.A user does not have to have an FNB account; however, an FNB customer will get to experience the full functionality of the application.

The App is available on Android devices with v2.1 and above; Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch; and Blackberry
Touch devices.

www.fnb.co.za