BankMuscat (SAOG), the nation’s premier bank, has further enhanced the quality of its Mobile Banking services by introducing a host of new features for its customers across the country. This is also in keeping with the Bank’s over-riding philosophy of attempting to use the power of technology to create a distinct customer experience.
Speaking on the occasion, BankMuscat chief executive, AbdulRazak Ali Issa said:
“BankMuscat has always maintained that it is committed to harnessing the power of technology to make banking more convenient and delightful. With more and more people today on the move, customers, we believe, need to be provided with options that take the bank to the customer and not necessarily, (as in the past) the other way around. Our Mobile Banking services have been especially designed keeping in mind the needs of the customer, whether corporate or retail, and will ensure that the services they need are made available to them around the clock.”
The facilities available through BankMuscat Mobile Banking include both push messages and pull services. Push messages are transaction-related alerts that customers receive to keep them abreast of transactions that are taking place through their accounts. This includes customer alerts on loan repayment, salary credits, point of sale transactions and ATM withdrawal notifications. Pull services allows customers to obtain account related information for anywhere around the world, anytime, by dialing 90090. This service allows customers to inquire after their account balances, request for a mini-statement, request for a chequebook and / or cancel their ATM cards. To ensure that the service is secure and safe, a customer’s registered mobile number is validated each time before the requested information is provided to the customer.
Mobile Banking Services are currently available to all BankMuscat account holders who possess a mobile phone registered with any of the recognized service providers in the country. The Bank does not charge its customers for this service. BankMuscat customers can register for this service using the Bank’s e-channels or by calling the Bank’s call center. Customers can also visit any of the Bank’s branches and enroll for the service.
BankMuscat launched its Mobile Banking services in January last year and has adopted a phased approach with regard to the roll out of its services. Using a spread of research and consumer testing techniques, the Bank has attempted to develop and periodically introduce products and services that are relevant to the local customer. Other services in the pipeline include Arabic text messaging and Fund Transfers.
With assets worth over US $ 4.5 billion, BankMuscat (SAOG) is the largest Bank in Oman today with a strong presence in Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, Investment Banking, Treasury, Private Banking and Asset Management. The Bank has a network of 90 branches in Oman and a representative office in Dubai (UAE). BankMuscat also has a strategic stake in Centurion Bank, a private sector bank in India and has recently set up BankMuscat International (BMI) an independent Banking entity that will be focused on becoming a truly GCC regional bank.
The international financial and banking community has lauded BankMuscat’s performance and pioneering efforts at setting new standards of excellence in the Banking industry in Oman and in the countries in which it operates across the region for several years now. BankMuscat holds the rare distinction of being voted the ‘Best Bank in Oman’ by Euromoney and Global Finance Inc., four times in a row and three times by The Banker, FT London. The Bank was also awarded the People Development Award at Oman Awards for Excellence, last year.
