Nedbank opened the doors of its Sandton City Mall Branch, which has been refurbished to reflect its new “branch of the future” offering.

The Sandton opening follows the flagship branch at Fox Street in Johannesburg. The branch of the future concept stems from a new client-centred approach to deliver a choice of experiences and channels of choice.

“The branch of the future concept was first launched in 2012 and we are very encouraged by the positive feedback we have been receiving from clients thus far. As a bank for all, we understand that innovation and convenience are at the heart of our client centred approach aimed at making the branch experience easy, quick and efficient.

“The Sandton City branch is strategically located to service the needs of diverse clients in Sandton from consumer to business banking,’ says Dave Schwegmann, managing executive of branch network at Nedbank.

He points out that the branch creates a distinctive client centred banking experience through technology complemented by the personal touch from its staff who bring the bank’s vision to life in their daily interactions with new and existing clients.

“We believe clients are no longer just looking to do banking; they are looking to do banking in a unique, convenient environment where all their needs are met. Future banking models will be driven by how banks adapt to fast-changing client needs and by how well they improve the client experience and efficiency of their branch network,” says Schwegmann.

Some of the key features at the branch include:
* A fully digital Kids Zone;
* A self-service Zone open until midnight;
* A dedicated eduzone space designed to deliver presentations and workshops to educate clients about banking services and financial fitness;
* WiFi Internet stations;
* iPads for client convenience while they wait for various services;
* A video banking facility – the first of its kind in South Africa – which facilitates face-to-face interactions with client service agents;
* The Intelligent Depositor ATM – launched in 2012, it has been significantly enhanced to allow for deposits by non-Nedbank clients. An additional 500 devices are planned over the next three to five years; and
* The furniture and décor elements were created from recyclable material.