StanChart opens 'Next Generation' branch in Malaysia

by **hlk** Sat 23 Jul 2011, 11:36

KUALA LUMPUR: Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Bhd (StanChart)
recently opened its largest branch in the country, which also marked the
bank's inaugural "Next Generation" branch.

Located on Jalan
Sultan Ismail, the new branch occupies three floors housing nearly 90
staff including personalised financial consultants and relationship
managers to serve the different needs of customers from small and medium
entrepreneurs (SME)s, priority to preferred and basic banking
transactions.

"Our investment in the new StanChart KL main
branch reinforces our long-standing commitment to our customers and to
this country," Sir John Peace, chairman of Standard Chartered plc, said
in a statement yeterday

StanChart Malaysia country head for
consumer banking Tiew Siew Chuen said with a long history of more than
130 years in Malaysia and to support its consumer banking business
growth and stay relevant to customers, it was important that the bank
continues to invest in its business and operations.

Siew Chuen said StanChart will continue to expand its branch network
from its current 38 branches "as branches remain a vital part of the
bank's distribution mix".

"More and more customers are turning
to Internet, mobile, ATMs and phone banking for basic banking
transactions and they look at the branch as a destination to gain access
to expert advice and customised financial solutions and services.

"In
the next few months, we will open more (StanChart's Islamic banking
arm) Saadiq branches which will adapt the look and feel of our new KL
Main branch," Siew Chuen explained.

Kuala Lumpur is among eight
key cities around the world selected for the roll out of StanChart "Next
Generation" branch concept this year.

The new retail branch
has, among others, wireless internet access, video conferencing facility
to enable customers to consult with the banks specialists who are not
available at the branch, a financial literacy zone for customers'
children to gain wise money management skills through interactive
educational games.