Bank Muscat on track as banking partner of Oman

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The year 2015 marks a momentous occasion for bank Muscat the flagship financial services provider in the sultanate which reckons itself a Renaissance achievement under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. 

As Oman marks the 45th Renaissance anniversary Bank Muscat joins the nation in extending the hand of friendship and a bouquet of innovative products and services in line with the current and emerging needs of the largest banking family in Oman.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa chief executive said 'The journey at Bank Muscat began more than three decades ago with the mission of creating value for every individual and for the nation. Thanks to the endorsement by the largest banking family in Oman Bank Muscat prides itself to be the number one bank in the sultanate. During the past 33 years since its inception in 1982 Bank Muscat has always focused on reaching out to customers with banking service excellence being closely associated with the progressive march of the nation in all realms. The trust and confidence reposed by the people and nation have helped the bank to maintain its leading position.'

Ushering in a new era of strategic growth the bank has set ambitious goals for the coming period. The bank's 'Let's Do More' vision is a powerful articulation of the contributions of a loyal productive workforce and customer service focused solutions for all partners. The vision reflects the essence of Omani values in the bank's services continuously measuring and delivering value for all stakeholders. The core focus of the vision is to stretch further the standards in customer service.

As a forward looking financial institution Bank Muscat is committed to the development and progress of Oman vis-à-vis its operations. Over the years the bank has accomplished this in many ways by partnering with the government and industry in projects of national importance. In Project and Structured Finance the bank's expertise in key sectors along with innovative structuring capabilities have catered to the financing requirement of key large-scale projects in the sultanate.

As part of its commitment to sustainable development alongside participation in large-scale projects the bank has taken strategic steps to strengthen the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Oman. Aimed at broadening financial access for entrepreneurs the bank launched a unique non-collateral SME finance addressing the critical requirement of SME finance without collaterals. Promoting self-employment initiatives boosting the national economy non-collateral suite of products is also available for micro and small businesses.

Being faithful to its vision the bank continues to earn the trust of all stakeholders providing a unique banking and financial experience to customers who are an integral part of the bank's journey of success.

Over the years Bank Muscat has succeeded in inculcating a strong savings culture in Oman. Aimed at the well-being of families Al Mazyona the flagship savings scheme in Oman has succeeded in making a lasting difference in the lives of customers. Targeted at all nationalities and segments including ladies youth children and high savings balance customers Al Mazyona is helping customers to develop a strong savings habit critical for the future development of Oman.

Moving along with the times Bank Muscat offers the right mix of traditional and electronic banking channels for the sultanate's youth-dominated population. Product innovation and improved level of service by Bank Muscat for both conventional and electronic channels is the key to making a difference in banking excellence. Marked by speed convenience and security electronic banking channels notably mobile banking online banking and ATM/CDM network enable financial transactions anytime from anywhere serving as a boon for people on the move.

Bank Muscat customers are increasingly moving to electronic banking channels the preference being mainly due to factors such as the adaptive and flexible nature of services. The bank is focused on adding value and engaging customers through their preferred banking channels.

With the largest electronic channel network in Oman innovations adopted by Bank Muscat are characteristic of the network of ATMs and CDMs mobile banking internet banking point of sales (PoS) machines and the Call Centre offering 24/7 banking service.

Ensuring accessibility across the country the largest network of ATM/CDMs form a pillar of customer service. Being a member of OmanSwitch and GCCNet customers from any bank in Oman the GCC countries and from around the world can use Bank Muscat ATMs for their cash requirements.

Reinforcing customer service and enhancing convenience the bank has launched an additional service in the ATM/CDM network. The new service features state-of-the-art integrated ATM/CDM machines in select branches and offsite locations across the sultanate. Equipped with cutting-edge technology the new machines have higher capacity and enhanced capability of deposit withdrawal and bank transactions integrated in one unit thus adding to customer convenience.

In tune with the banking requirements of a young tech-savvy generation Bank Muscat enjoys an edge in hi-tech products and services including electronic payment and web-based services. The bank's state-of-the-art mobile banking service has made banking truly mobile for customers who can bank 24/7 'anytime anywhere'. Notably the mBanking application works on most of the mobile phones and is customised for iPhones BlackBerry Android and Java-based phones with simple icons and menus. The mobile banking service is available in both English and Arabic.

The enhanced 'anytime anywhere' online banking offers an array of service to retail and corporate customers. The simple-to-use 24/7 service is available in both English and Arabic at www.bankmuscatonline.com.

Bank Muscat customers can contact the Call Centre 24/7 anytime from anywhere in the world. Using the Integrated Voice Response (IVR) system offering ease of access customers can help themselves to obtain all required services or contact phone bankers for assistance. Customers can report card loss and block themselves their cards through the IVR system.

In step with the sultanate's e-Government initiative Bank Muscat has been at the forefront facilitating electronic payments. Establishing a strong network of government and commercial entities Bank Muscat has deployed the largest network of over 12000 point of sales (PoS) card acquiring terminals across the country to support electronic payment in the country and continues to expand rapidly.

Complementing the largest network of 140 branches in the sultanate Bank Muscat has further added convenience and value-added services with evening banking service from 8am to 5pm (Sunday to Thursday) in 16 branches across the sultanate.

The branches offering evening banking service are Ruwi Amerat Opera House Muscat City Centre Al Khuwayr Seeb Al Khoudh Barka main Sohar main Salalah main Falaj al Qabail Buraimi Ibri Jubail Safalat Ibra Sur Afiah and Firq.

Aimed at accommodating people's busy schedules the extended banking hours at all key locations benefit customers who face difficulties in visiting the bank during morning hours. The facility reflects the bank's commitment to making banking convenient and centered around customer's needs.

The 'Let's Do More' vision roadmap reflects the essence of Omani values in the service delivery. Bank Muscat continuously measures the service delivery and continuously innovates to address customer needs ensuring value for all stakeholders. The dynamic vision reflects the readiness to face future challenges and sums up the bank's confidence and determination to stretch the boundaries in banking excellence.