Standard Bank has launched a ‘relationship banking instant messaging service’ for its customers, in a partnership with popular instant messaging app WeChat. Standard Bank head of retail banking Sibongiseni Ngundze said the bank hopes to put the hassle of physically going into a branch and standing in queues, or calling call centres and sending emails. He said the new service is like adding personal banker to customer’s messaging friend list and having them available in 24/7/365, just like many of the existing personal relationships. Prestige and Private customers can phone or email their bankers, or speak to them in-branch and provide their WeChat ID before being taken through a verification process. They will then be registered on the network, before registering with WeChat and searching for Standard Bank under official accounts to have access to chat to the team of virtual bankers anytime.
