UBL has launched its first digital branch in Karachi at Institute of Business Administration (IBA) and has claimed that it is “Pakistan’s first Digital Branch”. However, Standard Chartered Bank already established a Digital Branch in the same month of last year.
According to an official press release, the bank states that the branch is not only a pilot but also commercial. Usually, pilot projects are carried out on experimental basis and then declared as commercial on the basis of successful response from the customers.
It further said, “This pilot branch is located at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA-City Campus), Karachi. True to its progressive and innovative brand attributes, UBL is the first commercial bank in Pakistan to provide its customers with state-of-the-art facilities enclosed within a cutting-edge modern design.”
The features of a digital branch are more or less the same Standard Chartered Bank equipped in its digital branch in Karachi. However, the bank launched its digital branch project back in 2013 from Hong Kong.
UBL press release further described the concept of digital branch:
A completely automated facility, the Digital Branch runs without the physical presence of any bank staff. Although a pilot branch in its current form, the Digital Branch is able to provide a host of services that include account opening, as well as service elements such as cash deposits and withdrawals, Inter Bank Fund Transfers, instant debit card issuance and replacement card requests.
By initiating operations of this Digital Branch in pilot form, UBL intends to test and ensure a seamless experience for the customer. After the successful launch of the pilot branch, the Bank plans to expand these Digital Branches nationally.
Customers are greeted and facilitated transactions using a combination of digital technologies and a remotely located teller accessed through video-link. These features allow the Digital Branch to be accessible even after banking hours for all customers.
UBL False Claims Continue
Pakistan’s Best Bank 2016 declared by Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) had earlier made the false claims on their launch of Card-less ATMs being the first ones in Pakistan.
On the contrary, BankIslami was the first to launch the concept of Card-less ATMs through in-house data of consumers thumb impressions. It was followed by HBL which installed Card-less ATMs connected with Nadra records.
Traditionally in Pakistan, claims as the first-mover or pioneer are made through press releases and heavy advertisement but this misleading information and advertisement is a crime as per Competitive Commission of Pakistan (CCP).
Accordingly, deceptive marketing practices are a violation of Section 10 of the Competition Act, 2010, which includes the distribution of false or misleading information to consumers, including the distribution of information lacking a reasonable basis, related to the price, character, method or place of production, properties, suitability for use, or quality of goods.
In 2010, UBL was one of the four banks which were served a show-cause notice by CCP for misleading advertisements showing false claims of higher returns on deposits.
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Ye Sub to theek Hai :
Par ab tak Online Bank Account Opening Nahi Aya K Ghar Baithy Ya Office Baithey Account Khulwao :
Mezzan Bank Ne Lauch to Kiya But Us K Lie Bhi One Time Physical Appearance Must hai
Agar Aik Dafa Bhe Bank Nahi Gaye to Ghost Account Khulengaye Aur Phir Aur Zyada Hogi Corrrrrrrupppppppttttttiiiiiiioooon.
At least !
Jab Sub Kuch Online & Ghar Baithy Hai :
To Bank Q Peechy Hai Bhai !
Sir Physical Appearance is very important. “Warn Ghost Accounts Hongay aur Phr…..”
Ek Yahi Cheez hai Jo Hum Digital Banking Main Online Nahi Chahtay !
I have never visited a branch to open an account overseas, when this is practical in other countries why we have to stop things doubting ky ye howa tou wo ho jana ha… Systems should be made as such not to have chances of corruption at least in bank account opening.
Bio metric verification ho skti hai ab mobile k through.
App bana le bank aur us app pe aap k through bio metric ho skti hai.
you can open mobile wallet account of upaisa, easypaisa & jazzcash by just dialing their respective codes without going to appear at their offices,
I’ve EaisyPaisa Account !
then dont post useless comments
UBL Officials ! Either you make an apology to “Amir Atta” , Or brace for trial on ProPakistani :p
You mean an “Apology” in shape of a “press release” :)?
In shape of “Sponsored” post :)
Whole staff “ProPk Staff” already sponsored !
HaHa.
Theek samjha aap ne
In that case they owe me an apology too as a customer for many reasons I mentioned in a post last week on UBL arrested staff.
Something which exposes their unprofessionalism they mention as an excuse.
Banks are lying to make money.. What is the world coming to..
Disclaimer.. The statement above is made in a tone loaded with sarcasm.. So do not start a 200 post flame war if you don’t get it..
Though I agree that this was not the correct marketing from their side – but this article should have shown some side of positivity in their move.
What u were expecting? UBL staff are liberal terrorist studied from liberal universities which are producing these liberal terroist fascist liars.
Where you come first.
According to a senior marketer at UBL: “SCB branch only had ATM and CDM in it. It is not a full-fledged branch.”
Also: “SCB never launched a ‘digital branch’. It involves much more. They only had an ATM and a Cash Deposit Machine, along with the staff. What we have provides complete banking solution, including ALL the features of a branch, that too without any manpower.”