Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR), part of Atlas Mara brand in Rwanda, yesterday, launched a new mobile application that is envisaged to boost efficiency and revolutionalise the way the bank’s clientele is served.

Sanjeev Anand, the Bank’s CEO, said the new innovation is geared at reshaping customer experience by enhancing efficiency and reducing cost of transaction.

The application was first unveiled during the World Economic Forum - Africa held in Kigali in May, and was officially introduced to the public yesterday at the international trade fair, Expo 2016, that is underway at expo grounds in Gikondo.

The new BRP Mobile Banking App will also provide an end-to-end service experience for the rapidly growing smartphone users in Rwanda and Africa, in general, according to officials.

It’s the latest and one of the best mobile apps in the market that has gone through vigorous tests of improvement and provides customers with convenience,” the bank said.

"It is part of our strategy as a digital bank to position ourselves as a premier financial institution in the country,” Anand pointed out, adding that it will allow them to penetrate the unbanked segment of the population, thus enhance financial inclusion.

"The cornerstone of our strategy is innovation and using digital platforms to enhance efficiency and improving security,” Anand said.

According to Konde Bugingo, the deputy CEO BPR, the new mobile app gives users the capacity to transact, and also be able to effectively monitor and manage their finances in graphical representations and with implications for enhanced financial health.

Users will also be able to apply and receive approval and disbursement of loans based on alternative behavioral data points such as age on network, calls/texts history, phone recharge patterns and social media usage, among others.

Atlas Mara acquired two banks in Rwanda which are currently in advanced stage of operational integration.

In 2014, it acquired the commercial banking operations of the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD Commercial) before completing the acquisition Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR) this year.

The bank targets to have 400,000 mobile customers, which is double its current mobile banking users 200,000.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw