Dubai: Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region has launched a video-based interactive teller machine, a new service delivery platform to reach out to more customers.

The bank is ready to deploy more such machines across the country next year depending on customer response, said Suvo Sarkar, general manager – retail banking at Emirates NBD.

Last week, the bank became the first in the Middle East to launch video-based interactive teller machines (ITM) at its Dubai Mall branch.

This video-based interactive technology allows customers to conduct transactions and banking services driven by a centrally-based teller through real time video/audio interaction.

“Through this new technology we are trying to reach out more customers who can do banking 24/7 at their on convenience at our branches. The experience is as good as a direct interaction with a teller across the counter,” said Sarkar.

The bank has plans to install 5 such teller machines across the UAE next year.

“Initially we are looking at setting up these machines in malls and airports and such high traffic areas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Eventually we will have these machines in some locations in Northern Emirates,” said Sarkar.

Through face-to-face interaction, customers will be able to use the real time video connection to interact with the teller to cash cheques up to Dh60,000, withdraw cash, as well as enquire about their accounts, cards and loans. With concerns and questions being addressed in real time, the bank expects to deliver greater customer satisfaction.

The new machines are launched in partnership with NCR, a leading global ATM manufacturer and software provider.

“This technology provides great convenience to bank customers. Similar to a call centre, tellers would be located in central offices and could control various ITMs across the region, delivering great consumer experience,” said Habib Hanna, area managing director, NCR Corporation.

Retail banking business is estimated to be growing at 8 to 10 per cent this year. Emirates NBD has reported double digit growth in retail banking business during the current year and expects the trend to continue next year. With the banking sector in the country poised for strong recovery, the bank expects a significant growth in transaction volumes across all service delivery channels with technology driven channels reporting greater growth.

“We have witnessed a 10 per cent growth in branch-based transactions this year. During the same period, Internet- and mobile devices-based transactions have increased more than 55 per cent. This shows the growing demand for new technologies in the retail banking business,” said Sarkar.

The ITM at the Emirates NBD Dubai Mall branch is the pilot project for this service.