As it streamlines branch operation, Standard Bank has upgrade all it’s ATMs in South Africa to faster, next generation touchscreen machines that are attracting high usage, even from non-clients. “Reduced transaction times and fewer delays are among the key reason we’re seeing such high foot traffic, explain Makeke”, Bank officials said the decision follows a steady decline in cash transactions, “with cash volumes declining in some areas, we decided to review our branch network and streamline our footprint” explained Kabelo Makeke, who is Standard Bank’s head of personal and private banking.
Instead of handling cash withdrawals and deposits in branch, customers are increasingly relying on ATMs ans digital platforms. Nearly 90% of deposits and 97% of withdrawals now happen outside branch counters, Makeke said new units have been met with strong uptake. Withdrawls can now be completed in as little as 45 seconds, the bank emphasised that ATMs will remain central to its network, but they’ll be smarter, fewer, and more strategically place to serve clients in areas with high demand.
