By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay
FREETOWN, June 3 (232news.com) – Guaranty Trust Bank (SL) Limited has launched its Express Point services on Monday 30th May 2022 at its headquarters in Freetown. The service is the Bank’s franchise in making sure that it works in line with the Central Bank’s financial inclusion objective and reaching out to the over four million unbanked, some of which are in areas the bank does not have branches.
The Bank’s Managing Director, Ade Adebiyi, said the bank has trained 30 Agents that are spread within and outside the Western Urban District. “Customers can go to do basic banking services, pay bills, withdraw and pay monies, etc.” he said and added that “today is a milestone for the bank in taking banking to the footsteps of Sierra Leoneans irrespective of where they are.” “With Express Point you can now enjoy fast banking services at our agent outlets in selected locations. It allows you to make cash deposits, cash withdrawals, pay bills like EDSA, Mobile Top-up, etc.”
The Managing Direct continued by stating that the product has gone through a penetration test that states that it is safe and secured. “We have put in place a mechanism that customers can always have access to the product. The thirty locations have signages to show the location of Agents,” he said.
“All the Agents have been asked to pay initial liquidity to the bank. The Agents generate cash for the cash out to take place. The Agents are always liquidated to ensure that customers don’t have gaps. The system is re-calibrated to meet the re-denomination of the currency. We are just waiting for the official Launch,” Bank Officials say.
Mustapha Yamba, Head of Agency Banking Units, said for withdrawal the customer uses the bank’s *9737 app on their mobile phones to complete a transaction, which later goes to the Agent. After both sides have received alerts the process is done and cash is paid. “Our customers are safe and the Agents are safe also. Transactions cannot be done twice without the confirmation of the customer and Agents. The process is well safe and secured,” Yamba said.
