Absa’s ChatBanking service now includes WhatsApp
Aficanacity: the distinctly African ability to always find ways to get things done
Absa Bank, previously Barclays Africa, has introduced banking via WhatsApp in South Africa.
The bank unveiled this alternative as part of the its rebranding and new digital strategy.
This new rebranding includes a global expansion. According to the bank, it’s no longer just a South African brand, the new Absa Group has a presence in 12 African countries. “There is a way of doing things that’s unique to our continent,” Absa says. “Of meeting every challenge with tenacity, ingenuity, positivity and creativity. At Absa, we call it Aficanacity: the distinctly African ability to always find ways to get things done.”
The group also plans to open international offices in the UK and the US.
Barclays continues to be a key shareholder in Absa with a 14.9% stake in the business.
WhatsApp launched banking and payment services in May, starting with one of its biggest markets, India.
Absa claims to be the only bank that has fully launched this service in the world, rather than partially, like one would find in some Indian banks.
Through the bank’s “social media banking” service, customers can make instant transactions using the bank’s ChatBanking service, available on Facebook Messenger, Twitter and WhatsApp.
The service also enables checking a customer’s bank balance, buying electricity, purchasing airtime and data, and, obviously, payments.
“Simply say ‘hi’ to your Absa contact,” says the bank.
