BOC introduces social media banking

May 16, 2023

BOC Articles - BOC introduces social media banking

Marking another milestone in the digital banking journey, Sri Lanka’s No.01 Bank, Bank of Ceylon has stepped up to introduce unmatched social media banking experience with the launch of BOC META banking in elevating the Bank’s digital banking experience and bringing greater convenience to the customer.

“Given the growing popularity of WhatsApp as a social media channel among the public in line with global trends, the BOC initially launches WhatsApp Banking facility under the brand name BOC META banking to offer greater digital banking experience.” states the Deputy General Manager Products and Banking Development Mr. Y. A. Jayathilaka. “Consequently, BOC customers will be able to obtain an array of information-based services through BOC META banking including balance Inquiries and transaction histories of their respective bank accounts (Current, Savings and Time), Credit Cards and Loans. The embedded Remittance Tracker will allow the customers to stay updated of the status of inward remittances. It also provides up to date details of Location Based Services such as nearest ATM/CDM/CRM, branch, and BOC Connect agent.” Mr. Jayathilaka further added.

Moreover, the customers will also be able to obtain latest deposit, lending, and foreign exchange rates, product Information, promotional Information with direct links, card promotions & offers. The Live Agent Chat tool is another key feature of the BOC META banking as it allows BOC customers to have one to one chat with a BOC Contact center agent to receive required assistance with no hazel. 

In order to access BOC META banking channel, customers can either save the BOC contact number (011 220 4444) and find it on WhatsApp or scan the provided QR code to start chat by simply typing “Hi”. Then, Menu based chat will start and customers need to select the number in the menu list or type the number which they want to inquire. BOC Customers shall subscribe themselves to inquire financial transaction details via WhatsApp account, provided that; NIC number is registered with the bank and WhatsApp number and the registered mobile number with the Bank is the same. The required sensitive information (Balance Inquiry) will only be shared with the customer once they confirm the unique One-Time-Password (OTP) sent by the Bank via SMS.

The information accessed on BOC META banking facility remains confidential and secured given that all privacy and security measures of WhatsApp Business messages is applicable for the facility. WhatsApp manage and store customer messages in this app are end-to-end encrypted.

Over the years, BOC has been playing an instrumental role in revolutionizing the country’s digital banking landscape with an aim to provide enhanced customer convenience while improving financial inclusion via the Bank’s cutting-edge digital payment technological innovations. In particular BOC pioneered in bringing range of cutting-edge digital solutions to the customer which includes BOC Smart online banking, B-APP mobile banking SmartPay QR scan mobile app, Branch on Wheels, Smart Zone, BOC Digi, Smart Pass Book, SmartGen Digital account as well as facilities to open deposit accounts online and to apply for housing/personal loans online. Moreover, the Bank also aims to disrupt the country’s financial services industry by taking on initiatives such as BOC Innovlab which is set to enable the Bank to unleash futuristic solutions ahead of others.

In a recognition to the Bank’s role in the digital banking arena, BOC has won range of awards over the past several years. The Bank most recently captured multiple accolades including prestigious Gold Award for Most Popular Digital Payment Product (Banks & Non-Bank Financial Institutions-Mobile App Payment) for its SmartPay App, Gold Award for Bank of the Year in the financial inclusivity in Category A and Gold Award for Best Acquirer on LankaPay Online Payment Platform at recently LankaPay Technnovation Awards.

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