DBS innovates with full-service branch at Changi Airport
DBS has stepped up in the regional banking innovation stakes, launching AsiaÆs first full banking centre in the transit lounge of an airport.
Singapore-based DBS is to open a full-service bank branch in the transit lounge of Changi Airport.
Aside from being a unique banking concept, the Changi Airport branch will provide a useful service to travellers from countries such as Indonesia, who often have to clear immigration and venture into town to complete banking transactions - but now will be able do so while in transit.
The bank has dubbed the new banking centre DBS Asia Treasures and it is located beside the Kris Flyer Lounge within the transit area in Terminal 2. The new service is a members-only affair available to a select number of DBSÆ customers from Indonesia, Hong Kong and Singapore, who have been invited by the bank to partake.
"Aside from offering the full spectrum of banking services, the centre will also extend travel-related services to our members," says Mr Edmund Koh, managing director and head of DBSÆ regional consumer banking group. "We will be able to cater to last minute travel requests such as credit card line extensions and foreign currency exchanges. In fact, we will be offering the best foreign exchange rates you can find in the Changi Airport."
From the outset, DBS Asia Treasures will offer 12 different currencies including dollar, sterling, yen, Hong Kong dollar and renminbi.
The branch will have ATMs, but it will also offer a teller service six days a week. Customers will be able to open accounts, withdraw cash, made deposits, pay bills, seek financial advice, access internet banking, and utilise travel-related services such as travel insurance, currency exchange, credit card replacements and credit card line extensions.
For selected customers invited to use the centre, DBS will also provide food and wine tastings, in addition to complimentary buggy rides to departure gates and limousine transfers from the airport to a destination of the membersÆ choice upon return journey.
If this innovate pilot program takes off, DBS plans to role out more such centres in other strategic markets.
"This is our flagship centre and plans are underway to replicate this model in our other key markets in the region," says Koh.
Aside from being a unique banking concept, the Changi Airport branch will provide a useful service to travellers from countries such as Indonesia, who often have to clear immigration and venture into town to complete banking transactions - but now will be able do so while in transit.
The bank has dubbed the new banking centre DBS Asia Treasures and it is located beside the Kris Flyer Lounge within the transit area in Terminal 2. The new service is a members-only affair available to a select number of DBSÆ customers from Indonesia, Hong Kong and Singapore, who have been invited by the bank to partake.
"Aside from offering the full spectrum of banking services, the centre will also extend travel-related services to our members," says Mr Edmund Koh, managing director and head of DBSÆ regional consumer banking group. "We will be able to cater to last minute travel requests such as credit card line extensions and foreign currency exchanges. In fact, we will be offering the best foreign exchange rates you can find in the Changi Airport."
From the outset, DBS Asia Treasures will offer 12 different currencies including dollar, sterling, yen, Hong Kong dollar and renminbi.
The branch will have ATMs, but it will also offer a teller service six days a week. Customers will be able to open accounts, withdraw cash, made deposits, pay bills, seek financial advice, access internet banking, and utilise travel-related services such as travel insurance, currency exchange, credit card replacements and credit card line extensions.
For selected customers invited to use the centre, DBS will also provide food and wine tastings, in addition to complimentary buggy rides to departure gates and limousine transfers from the airport to a destination of the membersÆ choice upon return journey.
If this innovate pilot program takes off, DBS plans to role out more such centres in other strategic markets.
"This is our flagship centre and plans are underway to replicate this model in our other key markets in the region," says Koh.
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