State of the Art Branch Arrives in Whyalla

Leading customer-owned financial institution Beyond Bank Australia unveiled an innovative new branch design on Monday (8 September) offering the latest technology that sets a new benchmark for personal banking in Whyalla. 

The branch, which has moved to a new section of Westland Shopping Centre, does away with the traditional queue-for-a-teller approach, in favour of open spaces. 

Customers will be greeted by a concierge who will direct them depending on their needs. A lounge area is available where customers can sit in comfortable surrounds whilst they await an appointment with a member of the Westlands branch team, or they can use one of the several iPads available to manage their accounts online.

Video conferencing is also available in the meeting rooms, enabling customers to discuss their wider financial needs with additional Beyond Bank Australia experts located outside Whyalla.

Beyond Bank Australia Chief Executive Officer Robert Keogh says the new design has been developed following a review of customers’ banking habits and their in-branch requirements.

“While some individuals will continue to visit a branch to manage their day-to-day banking needs via our team of service consultants, we’re increasingly seeing customers come into a branch to discuss their overall financial needs,” Mr Keogh said.

“The traditional branch design wasn’t as conducive to such conversations and this new design provides the best of both worlds – consultants who can formally manage deposits, withdrawals, transfers, loans and payments, as well as mobile devices that enable customers to manage their finances themselves and remote technology allowing access to our wider team of financial experts.

“Our Westlands team, led by Branch Manager Kelly Hyslop, won’t be based at permanent desks or within offices, instead they will greet you as you enter and discuss your requirements before pointing you in the right direction.”

The fit out is the second of its type that Beyond Bank Australia has introduced in South Australia in less than a year, with the concept first introduced at West Lakes in late 2013 with great success.

“The feedback from our customers in West Lakes has been overwhelmingly positive – they find it inviting, welcoming, modern and enjoy being able to interact with our staff in a professional but more personal way that helps them better talk about their finances,” Mr Keogh said.

 “The people of Whyalla will enjoy this innovative banking experience and we look forward to this being a further step in servicing our customers, growing our presence in Whyalla and continuing to support the local community.”