Banking

HSBC pioneers #121# mobile info service with Dialog and Mobitel

First time in Sri Lanka's credit card industry:

HSBC has introduced an innovative service for the first time in Sri Lanka to serve their customers better, with greater convenience. The #121# mobile information service is an informative concept enabling HSBC credit card customers who possess a Dialog or Mobitel connection to gain quick access to information on all HSBC credit card offers via their mobile phone.

By using this #121# number, information on HSBC credit card offers and other HSBC services could be easily accessible from anywhere - locally or overseas at anytime at no extra cost.

This user friendly dial up enables customers to keep abreast of all offers and services as and when they are introduced. As a result, customers will not have to wait until they are informed of what they stand to benefit by using their HSBC credit card to enjoy life.

Head of Marketing at HSBC Rienzie Martinesz said, "Our customers before making plans to go shopping or go out for a meal, get pampered at a spa or plan a holiday, will now have the facility to check the HSBC credit card special offers by simply dialing #121# on their Dialog or Mobitel mobile phone for instructions".

HSBC plans to tie up with other mobile service providers in the country to expand the reach and make information instantly accessible to all customers using mobile phones. "This service when offered free of charge will help customers to optimise their time and enjoy life to the fullest" Martinesz added.

Following the card selection the menu will display a choice of categories under Travel and Leisure, Wine and Dine, Health and Beauty, Shopping, Home and Away, Concierge and Insurance.

This will entitle all HSBC Premier, Platinum, Gold and Classic credit card holders to an array of offers and features; special offers ranging from package upgrades at Hotels and Spas, discounts and offers on holidays and special discounts at some key airlines.

Senior Citizens' Account from Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered Bank launched Wonder Years, a lifestyle account package option for senior citizens, which combines higher interest rates and lifestyle benefits from a host of partner organisations, another first.

Head of Wealth Management for Sri Lanka Sanjay Wijemanne explained that customers above the age of 50 years can open Wonder Years Accounts and build up balances and benefit from the high interest rates on offer. "Standard Chartered is known for its innovative products.

In every case the product is created and customised based on our valued customers' feedback and requirements. The Wonder Years Account Package offers a host of other benefits apart from high interest rates and this makes the proposition unique in the market," Wijemanne added.

The product offers a host of benefits through leading partner organizations, in services such as health, shopping, travel and leisure. Categorized as 'Health and Happiness'; Durdans Hospital, Healthy Life Diabetic Clinic, Attanayake Opticians and Ray Bans Opticians have offered very attractive discounts and services to Standard Chartered Bank Wonder Years' account holders, while in 'Travel & Leisure'; Hemas Travels together with Prime Destinations offer travel packages to many destinations with special pricing.

Arpico Super Centres double the points on their loyalty programme on purchases made by Wonder Years' account holders, while Auto Mirage service station chain, who operates eight centers in and around Colombo, offer very special discounts on all their services to Wonder Years' customers. Likewise, Lionco Furniture and Flower Place are also offering special discount packages to help the account holders relax and enjoy life.

Head of Consumer Banking Sri Lanka Anirban Ghosh Dastidar, said that the bank has some exciting products and unique value propositions lined up for their customers in the New Year. "We keep our customers foremost in all our product offerings and endeavour our services are tailor made to suit all requirements," Dastidar said.

NDB Bank donates equipment to Colombo National Hospital

The NDB Bank recently donated a television set, a pocket sized tape recorder and six rotating chairs to the Information Centre of the Colombo National Hospital's Accident ward and Orthopaedic Service.

The Bank trusts that these items will greatly benefit the hospital in collecting vital information during mass casualty incidents, ultimately benefiting the patients and the nation.

The NDB Banks' Head of Operations, Vice President Kumar Weerasinghe handed over the items to the Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital's Accident Service Dr. Anil Jasinghe.