Taking Shari’a-compliant banking closer to customers, Bank Nizwa has launched its first ‘branch-on-wheels’ in the Sultanate. Over the next six months, the first-of-its-kind mobile truck by an Islamic bank in Oman will travel the country offering a host of products and services, while raising awareness on the benefits of Islamic banking. The new service was inaugurated during a special ceremony attended by CEO, Dr. Jamil El Jaroudi, as well as members of the Board and Senior Management.
With the newly introduced mobile branch, customers will be able to open new accounts, activate debit cards, receive account balances and mini statements, deposit cash and checks, apply for finance solutions, while also receiving consultations from the bank’s qualified team on how to lead financially secure lifestyles. The truck’s journey will start from the Governorate of Muscat, moving on to Al Dakhiliyah, Al Sharqiya, Dhofar, Al Batinah and Al Buraimi.
Dr. Jamil El Jaroudi commented, “The introduction of our first branch-on-wheels is part and parcel of our strategy to deliver greater convenience and accessibility to existing and potential customers. We strongly believe that the traditional teller counter experience is a trend that is changing fast; therefore, we are progressively offering unique and innovative solutions. Most importantly, we are continuing our efforts to raise awareness on Islamic banking and bring it to the doorsteps of our growing customer base across the Sultanate.”
Asad Batla, Head of Consumer Banking at Bank Nizwa, said, “Our main objective in launching the Bank Nizwa Truck is to be more mobile and offer our products and services to communities across the Sultanate. Our customers regularly access banking services through branch visits, online banking, mobile banking but now they are about to experience high tech on wheels. Our team of experts on the road offers financial consultations on how they can benefit from this growing industry in their day-to-day lives.”
He added, “In addition to the customer-related benefits, the new service will help us better understand market needs and demands for future branch locations and services.”
Over the past few months, Bank Nizwa has expanded its portfolio of accessible banking solutions to include its first dedicated mobile banking app and Dial My Balance service. In addition to 24/7 phone banking, internet banking, ATMs and CCDMs, the Bank opened its first fully-fledged branch in Al Buraimi and its 11th across Oman, further diversifying its touch points.