HSBC continues to invest heavily to enhance customer service by opening its seventh refurbished branch of the future in Żurrieq. The revamped branch reflects the Bank’s global interior designs that provide a much more pleasurable banking experience for conducting transactions, opening an account or to discuss future financial planning needs.

As part of an €8 million upgrade programme in the Bank’s branch network, HSBC has already invested in branches in Buġibba, Ħamrun, Archbishop Street Valletta, Swieqi, Paola, Żejtun and Mosta and a further two are planned by year end. These revamped branches offer the same high quality brand experience and excellent service available in HSBC branches throughout the world.

“Customer behaviour continues to evolve and our figures show that for the first time ever, monthly Electronic Point of Sale or EPOS transactions for purchases paid by cards, exceeded ATM cash withdrawals in June,” said Alan Richards, HSBC Malta’s CEO. “Customer behaviour is changing fast and that is part of the reason why our new branches are different in design terms. Whilst customers want fast and efficient services for their run-of-the-mill transactions, they demand more privacy and personal attention for more complex discussions in planning their financial future. The new branches reflect these changing demands with more automated machines and additional interview space and rooms.”

The Żurrieq branch will also include HSBC’s next-generation ATMs which, amongst other benefits, provide real-time value when depositing cash at any time of the day, seven days a week.

Apart from the heavy investment in the branch network upgrading programme, HSBC has just completed a €10 million project, known as ‘One HSBC’, to update its main systems infrastructure. The upgrade brings world class technology and improved functionality and performance for the benefit of both customers and staff.

During the opening, HSBC also made a donation to the Żurrieq Local Council. Mayor Silvio Izzi Savona thanked Mr Richards and Alex Mizzi, HSBC’s Director for the Southern Area for HSBC’s donation which will be used to improve the locality for the benefit of the Żurrieq community.