23 October 2024 12:10 am Views - 349
Now, in a further landmark expansion of this initiative, Cargills Bank has announced that an additional 51 Cargills Supermarket outlets will provide this service, increasing the number of banking-enabled supermarkets from 479 locations to 530 supermarkets.
This initiative leverages Cargills supermarkets’ extensive islandwide retail network and is part of the bank’s ongoing mission to drive inclusivity by bringing essential financial services closer to every corner of the country.
Cargills Bank was the first to introduce agency banking in Sri Lanka through a unique partnership with the Cargills Retail network, allowing customers to manage their basic banking needs while shopping for groceries. This innovative ‘Bank while you shop’ service provides convenient access to services such as deposits, withdrawals and the collection of local and foreign remittances for Sri Lankans in both rural and urban areas.
This unique model stands out for many reasons. Cargills supermarkets operate 365 days a year, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., providing a level of accessibility that goes well beyond a conventional bank branch. Additionally, the customers benefit from a secure environment with human assistance, for a more personalised, customer-centric experience. Even non-customers can take advantage of this service, using the bank’s unique collection account facility to make third-party payments and settle bills at their local supermarket.
Commenting on this milestone, Cargills Bank MD/CEO Senarath Bandara said, “The expansion of supermarket banking is yet another step towards fulfilling our commitment to provide our customers with unmatched benefits and convenience. We are grateful to be supported by the Cargills group, as we strive to be the most progressive and inclusive bank in Sri Lanka, providing innovative financial solutions that fulfil the needs of all Sri Lankans, whether in bustling cities or remote villages. We also take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, which has supported us in this initiative, as the regulator, since we launched agency banking in 2017. These additional 51 locations have been added to our network with the approval and oversight of the Central Bank.”
Cargills Supermarket banking is particularly useful in towns and rural areas, where traditional banking services are less accessible. Customers and even non-customers of Cargills Bank can save valuable time and resources by attending to their financial service requirements at their nearest Cargills supermarket. The expansion of the supermarket banking network is also beneficial to those involved in agricultural projects supported by Cargills Bank, as they can now make loan repayments and manage their finances efficiently.
In addition to the supermarket banking locations, Cargills Bank also operates 30 Cargills Bank MINI service points at selected Cargills Food City outlets, providing access to even more banking services, such as account opening and customer support. This holistic approach reflects Cargills Bank’s dedication to deliver flexible and accessible solutions that cater to the diverse needs of its customers, leveraging on the established network of the Cargills group. By bringing banking closer to home, Cargills Bank reinforces its position as a change-maker in financial innovation and inclusivity.