Banking 2.0: The digital revolution
In an era where time is at a premium, and the digital landscape is rapidly evolving Bank Alfalah is spearheading the remarkable digital transformation. Bank Alfalah (BAFL), a premier bank with over a thousand branches over 200 cities in Pakistan, has been a front runner in innovation and excellence in the banking industry.
The products and services developed over the years have revolutionised banking in Pakistan. Having won nearly 50 banking awards in categories such as Trade Finance, Housing Finance and Payment Solutions, Bank Alfalah has always prioritised convenience to customers with their innovative products and services.
Bank Alfalah, winner of the Best Digital Banking Award two years in a row (2022 and 2023), has been committed to providing customers with useful digital solutions for their banking needs. This metamorphosis is most evident in the emergence of Bank Alfalah’s Digital Lifestyle Branch – an innovative fusion of cutting-edge technology, lifestyle amenities, and comprehensive financial services for all. The recently launched Digital Lifestyle Branch is a first in the country and has piqued the interest of many.
Located on main Zamzama in Karachi, the branch proves to be a very convenient location for both, Bank Alfalah account holders and non-account holders who want to utilise their digital banking facilities. We were invited to visit the branch and check out their various services under one roof. Blown away by the visual identity of the branch, we learned that the architecture, design, and branding aesthetics were curated by Studio Subtraction and Image Graphics Solutions.
Let’s delve into the various facets of the branch that make it the epicentre of financial empowerment.
Grab a quick bite at Premo by Xander’s’ Takeaway: The moment you enter the branch you are greeted with the welcoming aroma of coffee brewing at the Premo takeaway counter. The concept of a lifestyle branch is to incorporate such everyday lifestyle features for customers that uplift the banking experience into a lifestyle experience. Premo has developed a takeaway menu for those who need a quick “pick me up” or an on-the-go breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack.
Premo by Xander’s Takeaway puts the same unique gastronomical spin that Xander’s is renowned for, on graband-go meals. The takeaway area features easy-to-carry food like moreish sandwiches, wraps, muffins, coffees, soups, salads, pastas, desserts, etc. There are new items regularly added to the menu so you will never get tired of what they have on offer.
Bank Alfalah is the first bank in Pakistan to introduce the concept of a “phygital” bank lobby. As customers enter the bank they interact with the Virtual Assistant that allows them to select their desired service and then proceed to it. The Digital Onboarding Terminal allows a user to choose between visiting the digital locker, book a co-working space, or retrieving information on the digital services being offered at the branch.
This bank lobby is unlike any other lobby you have experienced before. With multiple machines on offer for the various banking services, you never have to waste your precious time waiting in lines to speak to the clerk and then deposit your money and/or cheque.
The traditional image of waiting in a queue to deposit cash is now a relic of the past with Bank Alfalah. Enter the Cash Deposit Machine (CDM), a true marvel in the world of banking. Depositing cash is now as simple as a few taps on a screen. The Bank’s CDMs are swift, secure, available 24/7, you do not need to been an account holder to utilise this facility, and above all, you can deposit cash in any bank account in Pakistan. No longer bound by the constraints of banking hours, customers can now deposit cash at their convenience, ensuring their valuable time is spent on more meaningful pursuits.