Cradlestone Mall is inspired by humanity’s origins which explains its proximity to the Cradle of Humankind.
The Cradle of Humankind is a site that has produced a large number, as well as some of the oldest, hominid fossils the world has yet seen. It tells much of the story of the evolution of our world. And now the area will tell the story of the evolution of banking.
The West Rand’s first cashless bank has opened at Cradlestone Mall in the form of dotFNB. It provides a virtual environment in which to experience the bank’s service and product offerings in tangible form, and serves to promote and educate customers on the digital platforms available, and how these platforms can simplify the banking experience.
“With this growing [global] momentum of digital, self-service banking, customer experience has become an even more important element in our business,” said Kim Gibson-van der Walt, head of dotFNB. Facilities include an interactive financial planning Microsoft Surface, video conference cubicles, and service desks in which the customer sits alongside the consultant.
A total of eight dotFNB branches exist in the country, the first of which opened in Bryanston in April 2012. The first of their kind in Africa, cashless banks will in no way replace traditional banking. Good news for those of us who crave the touch of a piece of paper and a trusted ballpoint. However, Gibson-van der Walt says there is a very real need to keep a finger on the pulse when it comes to technological innovations and the way in which those innovations impact banking.
“We are living in a digital era and although traditional branches are here to stay, we believe the link between education and banking on digital platforms needs to be readily available.”
Eighty percent of services available at traditional banks are available at dotFNB branches, and their extended trading hours are very attractive for those of us working nine to five, five days a week – they’re open seven days a week, 365 days a year.
The store’s layout, facilities and personalised services are conversation starters, Gibson-van der Walt explained. It’s an environment where a customer feels comfortable and encouraged to poke around, press buttons and ask questions. “From there we’ll take the customer to the online portal and show them what’s available.”
Details: Cradelstone Mall 010 020 1234.
