Chief reveals Nausori, Namaka outlet plans
Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Barry Whiteside (sixth front left), and BRED Bank (Fiji) Limited chief executive, Satish Deb (on Governor’s left) with the staff of BRED Bank outside the TappooCity Kiosk on level four of TappooCity in Suva. The kiosk officially opened for business yesterday. Photo: JONA KONATACI
By RACHNA LAL and RANOBA BAOA
Opened just a little over eight months ago, and already business for BRED Bank (Fiji) Limited is doing well.
BRED Bank chief executive, Satish Deb, said they have built up a good customer base and are focusing on expanding their network.
As part of this expansion, BRED Bank opened its banking kiosk at TappooCity Level four in Suva yesterday.
This was done by the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Barry Whiteside.
This will be the bank’s second outlet with one branch already at MHCC in Suva.
Mr Deb said their Nausori branch is under construction which they intend to open by mid-September.
“I am almost finalising the construction of our Namaka (Nadi) branch which we intend to open end of this year,” he said.
“Response has been very good. In fact I have been asked by people from the West and North to open branches.
“We have come up with some good products and service and customers have accepted it.
“We are a fully-fledged bank for retail banking and consumer banking as well. So it’s not just specifically targeting just one segment but overall.”
ATM and EFTPOS plans
Mr Deb said BRED Bank now has eight ATMs located at various places in the Central Division
“There are another two that we are looking for a good site and we have also ordered another 10 and that will go towards our Nausori branch as well as in Nadi,” he said.
“In terms of electronic banking, we are spreading our electronic channels out there for customers to get access to our banking services.”
Mr Deb said they have started to impose EFTPOS terminals with one already installed at TappooCity.
“We have currently have 200 machines and we are looking at some sites to install those and roll it out,” he said.
‘Substantial’ investment
Whilst not giving an exact figure, Mr Deb said they have investment quite a “substantial” amount in doing all this.
“It is pretty substantial but we are not going to just stop over here. We will look at opportunities for investing further as and when it comes,” he said.
Mr Deb said they are quite optimistic about the economic climate in Fiji and about the growth.
“Looking at the economic growth figures and talking to people, I have seen a lot of things happening and a lot of growth and it is good for us (BRED bank) as well,” he said.
Mr Deb has urged customers to take advantage of the products they have available whilst it’s available.