The United Bank for Africa, has changed the face of e-banking, as it launched Leo, a Chat Banker which enables customers to make use of their social media accounts to carry out key banking transactions.
At the official launch of the product, customers of the bank were given a step by step demonstration on the novel way of delivering lifestyle and quality banking through the Facebook Messenger chat platform.
The Group Managing Director, UBA, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, explained that this is the first time a financial institution in Africa has come up with this manner of solution to simplify the way customers
transact.
With the launch of the Chat Banking, UBA’s customers will be able to open new accounts, receive instant transaction notifications, check their balances on the go, transfer funds and top up airtime, he explained.
“They will also be able to confirm cheques, pay bills, apply for loans, freeze accounts, request for mini statements, among other things. The launch of Leo is part of initiatives aimed at putting the bank’s customers first with UBA continuously developing strategies aimed at easing transactions for the bank’s numerous users, while ensuring utmost safety of their transactions.
“The formulation of this product is consistent with the bank’s customer 1st philosophy, where we are doing things not the way we like, but focusing on what the customers want, where they want it, and in the exact platform they want it.’
“At UBA, we have been working with technology giants that have the global capacity to ensure not only seamless but also effortless banking for millions of our customers across Africa. We at UBA have collaborated with Facebook to come up with this innovation that is capable of revolutionising the way banking is done in Africa,” he said.
Uzoka also noted that Leo would in the nearest future, show up on other social platforms, adding that all it takes to enjoy the services is simply to have a Facebook
account.
Also speaking at the event, the Group Head, Online Banking, UBA, Mr. Austine Abolusoro, reiterated that the product is not just a chat machine, but an artificial intelligence personality meant to address any type of banking concerns raised by
customers.
He said, “Leo is ready and waiting to help with most transactions and to deliver any form of banking services. Leo is operating a lifestyle banking platform on facebook messenger to assist with your transactions while chatting with your friends and business partners. The security with this platform is that for every transaction, a One-Time Password is generated to the phone number that is registered on your account.”
