CEBU, Philippines – The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) recently launched its first seven-day banking outlet at the Ayala Center Cebu, in its bid to boost customer acquisition in the next few years.
Located in the lower ground of the shopping mall, it is the first seven-day full banking outlet of the over 700 BPI branches nationwide.
"It is part of our marketing strategy to continue providing good service to our clients," said BPI area business director for Cebu Danilo Kimseng.
According to Kimseng, Cebu will be the pilot area of the seven-day banking facility for the bank, and hopes that other outlets in Cebu, and other parts of the country, especially those located in the shopping malls will follow suit.
Despite the global recession that hit last year and with its lingering effects this year, BPI Cebu operations managed to register a double digit increase in terms of deposit and customer base, Kimseng said.
Hopefully, other branches in Cebu will be able to open seven-day full banking service in the next few years, he said.
"The management is looking into this direction. The success of this pilot project in Ayala Center Cebu will gauge the company's direction on this strategy," Kimseng said in a press conference.
There are a total of three BPI branches located in Ayala Center Cebu, one is the BPI Kiosk facility, which is designed to cater to loans and new account applications.
The first seven-day full banking outlet in the lower ground of the mall is the 36th BPI outlet in Cebu, and will set the trend of offering a one full week of banking service. This a marketing initiative of the Cebu group in order to get ahead in the competition.
"Cebu market is very dynamic and competitive," said Kimseng adding that the customers now have different needs and this include demanding for banking service even on weekends.
BPI Cebu field sales manager Niel Yu said that the Cebu operation is aiming to double its depositor-base in the next few years, and providing a seven-day banking service is just part of the bank's effort to hit the goal.
Currently, there are a total of three million BPI depositors nationwide. Cebu province, which has a total of 36 branches is one of the largest contributors of the Ayala-owned bank.
According to Kimseng, in Cebu the bank is enjoying good performance in commercial and consumer loan products.
"Cebu has always been a good source of borrowers. Good borrowers," Kimseng stressed.
The full-service branch will be open from 10am to six in the evening from Mondays to Sundays.
"This strategic initiative is aligned with the bank's desire in providing a total customer experience and remaining relevant to the needs of its community," added Kimseng.
BPI has close to 100 ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) and Cash Accept Machines (CAMs) in Cebu Andover 1,200 machines nationwide.
The bank has also provided alternative channels for depositors to do banking transactions anytime, anywhere, through its 24/7 online banking facility, such as Internet banking (BPI Express Online), mobile banking (BPI Express Mobile), and phone banking (BPI Express Phone). (FREEMAN)