Equity Bank customers will soon be able to deposit or withdraw money from their accounts using the mobile phones thanks to the digital products the bank is rolling out. Hannington Namara, the managing director, said: "We are moving to another level of banking, where our customers will be able to transact business from the comfort of their homes, offices or wherever they may be,” he said. He was speaking at the end of the bank’s activities for this year’s International Customer Service Week on Friday at the financial institution’s head offices in Kigali.

Namara said the financial institution’s mobile banking system has new features that will allow any customer to withdraw or deposit money, pay bills, check balance, among other services, on the go. The digitalisation process is expected to be completed in the next two weeks, according to the MD.

The new initiative will benefit all market segments, including SMEs, individuals and corporates. The mobile banking platform will reinforce its 13 branches across the country, Namara said, adding the bank was planning to open two more outlets, depending on how customers will respond to the digital platform.

Equity Bank boasts of 600,000 customers presently.

Why appreciate clients

Namara said customers "are key ingredients toward building strong financial institutions in any country, thus the need to appreciate them.” According to officials, the week was an opportunity for the bank to appreciate, customers, including individuals, farmers and companies, which have contributed to its success.

During the Friday event, Equity Bank customers and staff interacted as they shared tea and snacks. There were similar activities across all its other branches.

In addition, customers were helped to open easy banking services on their mobile by staff. The facility will allow customers to access the bank services easily from where they may be.