Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB), recorded a 55 per cent increase among users of Digital channels and smart services, while the number of digital services and banking application users surged by 35 per cent compared with the same period last year. The increase in dependency on digital services for cash management, was observed since the outbreak of COVID-19 limited access to businesses.

Walid Alamoudi, head of digital banking at SIB, said: “Technical innovation and adoption of the latest digital solutions have always been our top priority, with the bank making significant investments in modern technologies in recent years. SIB has launched a number of digital products for self-service, which has increased the bank’s customer base, especially in recent times.”

 He added that with the introduction of the digital platforms, SIB has witnessed a significant 100% increase in usage of some of the services including the Tayseer-Salary Advance, for obtaining salary along with an increase in requests for installment deferment.

Sharjah Islamic Bank is also working to update its ATM machines, offering 70 new services that could reduce customer visits to the branch. All ATM’s come equipped with innovative software and intelligent services. Additionally, the machines will allow for easier deposit and withdrawal of funds, the ability to read NFC and traditional cards and verify Emirates ID reading and biometrics authentication capability.

The sophisticated machines will provide customers with access to cash withdrawal, enquires, bill payments, transfers, cheque book and debit card printing.