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UBA Makes History with Leo, Chat Banking Personality on Social Media

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United Bank for Africa (UBA) is fundamentally changing the way people communicate with their banks with Leo, the UBA Chat Banker that enables customers make use of their social media accounts to carry out key banking transaction.

 

On Thursday, January 11, 2018, the bank brought together its customers and financial journalists at The Backyard Bar & Grill on Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos for the launch of its latest app.

 

Everyone present at the event knew it had to be something revolutionary.

 

For a bank that has scored many firsts in the industry and is ranked among the top three banks in effective use of social media in Nigeria in a social media report by Alder Consulting; a bank that has invested heavily in building a robust and secure e-banking platform that supports its e-banking operations globally through strategic partnerships with various local and international organizations, you could only expect the bar to keep going higher.

 

Beyond being active on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, Google Plus, and also running a corporate blog, Africa’s global bank is continuously innovating and developing strategies aimed at making banking seamless and effortless for millions of its existing and potential customers, while also ensuring utmost safety of their transactions.

 

It was, therefore, not surprising that UBA would score yet another first with the introduction of Leo, an innovation that is capable of revolutionizing the way banking is done in Africa.

 

Leo, a UBA Chat Banking personality that enables the bank’s customers to make use of their social media accounts to carry out key banking transactions, comes as a solution developed with people’s lifestyles in mind.

 

With Leo, customers are able to open new accounts, receive instant transaction notifications, check their balances on the go, carry out money transfers and airtime top-up, pay for Uber, as well as perform other transactions like payment of bills, data top-up, mini-statements, loan applications, cheque confirmation, account freezing, among others right on their mobile phones.

 

Designed to work within the platforms people are already familiar with, Leo has already taken off on Facebook Messenger. In the nearest future, the app is expected to show up on other social media platforms and all it takes to enjoy the services is simply to have a Facebook account.

 

At the official launch of Leo in Lagos, Kennedy Uzoka, Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, explained that Leo, being an intelligent personality, will give customers instant feedback as they transact their business on the platform, describing it as “a solution that is from the customer’s standpoint which is easy to use by anyone regardless of your career”.

 

“The formulation of this product is consistent with the bank’s customer-first philosophy, where we are doing things not the way we like but exactly what the customers want, where they want it, and in the exact platform they want,” Uzoka said.

 

“And so, we have been working with technology giants from around the world because for UBA with so many customers, we have to deal with those who have the global capacity. Therefore, we at UBA have collaborated with Facebook to come up with this. In future, Leo will show up with other platforms. All you need to do is to have an account with Facebook,” he said.

 

Highlighting some of the advantages of using the app, Uzoka said the chat language is elementary, and Leo can even help one remember what he or she needs to do at every particular point in time. On security of the platform, he said that Chat Banking with Leo does not elevate the risk already available.

 

“You do not need to learn to use it because it has always been part of your life. It is solution from customers’ point of view. Its greatest asset is its simplicity. Leo is an artificial intelligence. He will address all banking concerns. He should help pay for everything but you need to have an account with UBA to transact with Leo,” Uzoka said.

 

“This is the first time that a financial institution in Africa has come up with this manner of solution to simplify the way customers transact, something that has become necessary in today’s fast-paced world with demands for quick-time transactions and response,” he said.

 

He expressed belief that with the huge number of customers the bank has as well as its growing customer base in all the 19 countries of operation, customers would be served using modern and forward-looking technology.

 

Austine Abolusoro, group head, Online Banking, UBA Plc, who took UBA customers and journalists present through a step-by-step demonstration on how to make use of Facebook chat function to enjoy seamless banking services through chat sessions, explained that Leo is not just a chat machine but an artificial intelligence service as well a personality meant to address any type of banking concern.

 

“Leo is ready and waiting to help with most transactions and to deliver any form of banking services. Leo is operating a lifestyle banking platform on Facebook Messenger to assist with your transactions while chatting with your friends and business partners,” Abolusoro said.

 

“The security with this platform is that for every transaction, an OTP (One Time Password) is generated to the phone number that is registered on the account,” he said.

 

He explained further that to open an account and enjoy the chat banking advantage, the prospective customer just needs to log on to the Facebook Messenger and open up chat with Leo, who then takes over the conversation by telling the customer what steps to take.

 

On security measures, he said the prospective customer needs to provide a Bank Verification Number (BVN) and phone number that is linked to the BVN.

 

But there is a ceiling on the volume of transaction that can be done by customers, the bank said. Customers with low-key Know Your Customer (KYC) will transact to a limit of N50,000 daily, already existing customers can do N200,000 and N100,000 in the first seven days even as the accounts can be upgraded to do higher transaction volumes.

 

“We are increasing customers’ happiness level with this product. We have brought banking to the chartroom,” Uzoka said.

 

No doubt, as e-banking continues to reshape the way bank customers carry out their financial transactions by providing 24-hour services and saving customers the stress of joining long queues in banking halls, UBA Plc is leaving no stone unturned in its bid to not just keep up with technology but to always stay ahead of the game.

 

With eyes on the future, and conversant with the new trend in customer behaviour, the bank is constantly innovating, taking strategic steps to integrate more people into the digital financial services net, drive down cost of service, and build consumer confidence in digital platforms.

 

 

 


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EFCC Says Nigerian Banks are Notorious Conduits of Financial Crimes

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Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned banks against making themselves available as instruments of fraud.

EFCC Says Nigerian Banks are Notorious Conduits of Financial Crimes

Ola Olukoyede, charman, EFCC, issued the warning on Friday when the management team of Moniepoint, led by Tosin Eniolorunda, its founder and Group CEO, paid a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking through Michael Nzekwe, his chief of staff, the EFCC boss noted that Nigerian banks over the years have become notorious as conduits of financial crimes and advised them to turn a new leaf for the sake of the growth of the country.

“There’s hardly any financial crime that would not go through the financial institutions. Money laundering is a major issue and you find out also that the perpetrators go through the banks. Nigeria will be the greatest beneficiary when we do the right thing,” he said.

Addressing the Moniepoint delegation, Olukoyede said, “Try as much as possible on your own to avoid any form of connivance and don’t be a channel for money

“Don’t be a tool. Don’t make your system porous. You are a major stakeholder when it comes to the fight against corruption. We are open and would assist, however we can. No one is above the law”.

Olukoyede observed that there was a high level of poor internal control by fintechs at the level of the unbanked, the under-served and the middle class population spectrum.

“There’s quite a whole lot of fraud that goes around that particular level, so the issue of KYC (Know Your Customer) is very important, especially because of the issue of how fintechs open tier-one accounts, sometimes without attention to KYC.

“And people take advantage of this and are quick to commit fraud through this negligence. So, that’s one area you have to also look at to see how you can improve on your KYC.

“Increasing your level of collaboration with the EFCC would mean to see yourselves as stakeholders in the fight against corruption.

“We would like you to be able to respond to us when we make inquiries and when we make requests.

On EFCC’s readiness to collaborate with Moniepoint, Olukoyede stated that, “On our part, we are open to whatever it is that you want us to do. We value it that you are here today to seek a stronger tie and collaboration.

“When we have stakeholders come in and want to be part of what we are doing, majorly stakeholders like you, it gives us joy because we know that no one man can fight corruption alone.

“The collaboration you seek tells us that you want to strengthen your system; you want to be able to create more internal controls. You want to be able to put in place things that will mitigate those weaknesses that will lead to fraud within your system, that’s what we do. Our core mandate is enforcement and investigation of economic and financial crimes. So, we’re glad and wish to collaborate with you”

Earlier in his remarks, Eniolorunda noted that the expansion in the operations and services of the fintech and microfinance company have come with challenges which have made the need for a strategic collaboration with the EFCC compelling.

“Moniepoint has over the years grown to become one of Nigeria’s largest payment service providers and the bank for mostly mid-class businesses and the under-served.

“Today, Moniepoint processes roughly 70% of Nigeria’s payments on Point-of-Sale (PoS) and transfers. We are present also in the UK and we are going through some potential set-up also in Kenya, which is at an advanced stage with its Central Bank. And also in Tanzania.

“Of course, with all this growth comes also challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the nature of our country, where if people find the opportunity to make fast money, they will make fast money. And we have realised that as Moniepoint is helping people make ends meet, these sorts of people are also trying to use Moniepoint channels to achieve their criminal objectives.

“So, we are actively fighting, improving all the necessary KYC accounts, money laundering and fund protection systems, but we know that we can’t do this alone. There are experts in a government organisation like the EFCC that we believe we need to have a strategic relationship with to be able to fight these people together.

“There are intels that you see that we don’t see. There are many things that come across your desk, every day that we don’t see. There are also things that we see that we think that if we should show to you, we will all be able to come together and fight these bad guys. We have, over the years improved on many things; discover a lot of potential fraud, collaborated with law enforcement agencies.

“With our whole management team, we will be able to find a strategic partnership with the EFCC that would take us to the next level.

“So we need to quickly build stronger alliances to prevent any form of risks that will blossom into national security issue,” he said.


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N159m Up for Grabs in Fidelity Bank’s GAIM 6 Promo

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Fidelity Bank Plc, leading financial institution has announced that it will be giving out N159 million to lucky customers in its recently launched Get Alerts in Millions Season 6, (GAIM 6) promo.

L – R: Mr. Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc; Mrs. Aboluwade Margaret, Zonal Coordinator, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council; Dr. Ken Opara, Promo Committee Chairman and Executive Director, Lagos and South West, Fidelity Bank Plc; Mrs. Oghenero Ugoji, Director, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lagos Zonal Office; Mr. Tanko Olaseni Mohammed, Head, Monitoring Inspection & Enforcement, Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority; and Ms. Damilola Oshinowo, Legal Officer, Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority: at the launch of the Fidelity Bank Get Alert in Millions Season 6 (GAIM 6) promo in Lagos recently.

Speaking at the press conference to kick off the promo at the bank’s Lagos head office, Executive Director, Lagos & South-West, Fidelity Bank Plc and the Promo Committee Chairman, Dr Ken Opara, said that the aim of the promo was to build a culture of financial discipline and enable the bank’s customers improve their standard of living, achieve their goals, and secure a brighter future for themselves and their families.

He said, “Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how GAIM has transformed lives by helping customers pay off debts, fund their children’s education, start-up businesses, and invest in projects.

“These stories of the transformative power of GAIM in the lives of our customers, motivated us to raise the stakes with each new season, and I am excited to share that GAIM 6 will feature an even larger prize pool with over N159 million in cash prizes.

“As a Bank, we remain committed to ensuring this season is bigger and better than ever. In the coming months, we will provide additional updates through roadshows and community outreaches, and we encourage you to join us in spreading the word and inviting your friends and family to be a part of this initiative.

“While GAIM provides an opportunity to win numerous cash prizes, it is important to state that GAIM is not just about winning prizes. It’s about changing the financial fortunes of our customers, strengthening communities and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

“The financial advisory services we offer to our winners are an essential part of providing key insights that help our winners preserve and grow their earnings in a sustainable manner.”

To participate in the promo, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc said, “The customer needs to have a savings account with Fidelity Bank, and make sure that from today, that you’re putting money in that account.

“And once your balance is increasing, every N5000 you put in, you qualify for the basic rewards, the ones that happen quarterly, the N10,000.But for the N1 million rewards you need to have at least a minimum of 10,000 naira.

“Every 10,000 Naira in your account gives you a ticket. With that ticket, you stand a chance of winning N1 million naira every month.

“We have 10 winners emerging every month with N1 million naira each. So, for the period of nine months, that’s 90 customers getting N1 million naira each.”

Ranked as one of the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 8.3 million customers serviced across its 251 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom as well as on digital banking channels.

The bank has won multiple local and international awards including the Export Financing Bank of the Year and Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking at the 2024 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards; Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023; and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.


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Africa Processed 49Bn Transactions in 2023 – SIIPS Report

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The SIIPS Report which offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing Africa’s digital payment systems has said that 2023 was a landmark year, with 49 billion transactions processed across the continent—the highest volume recorded to date.

Africa Processed 49Bn Transactions in 2023 – SIIPS Report

This staggering number underscores a broader trend: the shift towards digital, fast, and efficient payments is becoming a cornerstone of Africa’s economic growth.

The SIIPS Report 2024, launched in Accra on Thursday, showcases the remarkable growth of Instant Payment Systems (IPS) across Africa, emphasizing their role in advancing financial inclusion.

With 31 operational IPS in 26 countries and another 27 on the way, the report reveals a 37% growth in transaction volume over five years.

While digital payment adoption surges, barriers remain for vulnerable groups, especially women, who face security and fraud concerns.

Despite progress, no system has fully achieved inclusive access, affordability, or transparency.

The report emphasizes the need for collective efforts to expand IPS, particularly in rural areas, to ensure universal financial inclusion by 2030.

Supported by partners like the World Bank and UNECA, the SIIPS Report offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing Africa’s digital payment systems, calling for innovation and regulatory support to achieve seamless, cross-border payments across the continent.

More importantly, the total value transacted surged at a remarkable average annual growth rate of 39% from 2019 to 2023, reaching over $1 trillion last year.

Such figures highlight Africa’s increasing reliance on digital financial systems and indicate a seismic shift in how money moves.

 

 

 

 


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