Nedbank Advertorial In reputation we trust
A good reputation is hard to build, its qualities elusive and once won, it is a treasure worth preserving
It is said that trust takes years to build and seconds to destroy. More so when it comes to the financial ser - vices industry, where people place their hard-earned cash for safekeeping and investing. As a bank, Nedbank has over the years worked hard to earn the trust of its current and prospective clients.
“Banks receive money from people who are not using it immediately and lend it to those who need it,” says Thulani Sibeko, group executive: marketing, communications and corporate affairs at Nedbank.
Nedbank’s belief in the value and importance of trust has underpinned its investment into people, products and solutions. “This we believe, is what sets us apart as a service provider and a brand. Clients have a choice about who they will use, who will serve them,” says Sibeko. “It is therefore essential that we are trusted so that people can engage with us and have the confidence that we will be here when they need us.”
Nedbank is passionate about being a responsible corporate by focusing on establishing a trust- worthy and transformational reputation through investment into sponsorships, training and the country. The company has a robust corporate social investment (CSI) programme and regards itself as a good corporate citizen of the African continent.
“We are not blind to the realities we face — we know that the success of business depends on a thriving society, and therefore we believe we need to play a role in education and its development,” says Sibeko. “We spend in excess of R50-million each year on education initiatives and we are committed to sustainability programmes which facilitate renewable energy or preserve water which is critical to food security. We are also committed to partner with other organisations and government to address different societal challenges which the government cannot solve on its own.”
Creating peace of mind
Nedbank has also placed as strong an emphasis on building solutions that are mapped back to client needs and the changing world they live in. The bank has enhanced the security in its engagements with its clients through an array of products and services designed to add layers of security and peace of mind to transactions and investments.
“We have developed client confidence through products such as Approve It, which gives people an extra layer of security for sensitive transactions,” adds Sibeko. “There are numerous ways we are effecting this level of service to deliver convenience, security and speed. We are constantly bringing in new products which enhance the financial lives of our clients.”
For Nedbank, reputation and trust also boil right down to the employee level. The company respects its employees and motivates them to create value for clients.
Organisations in the banking sector have to work much harder than in other industries, such as consumer goods, to differentiate themselves in a way that attracts and retains consumers. Nedbank works hard at making its customers feel like they are important, valued and heard.
“We’re in this business for our clients and in tough times we don’t lose this focus, concludes Sibeko. Now more than ever, we are focused on innovations in service, access and digital transaction capabilities. At Nedbank, we’re aware that if we understand our client needs and provide a reliable, secure and convenient service, we will flourish. This is our core business and in doing it we can be a force for good on the African continent”.