Absa Bank Kenya PLC launches WhatsApp Banking?

Absa Bank Kenya PLC has launched WhatsApp banking, allowing clients to access and trade with their bank accounts via the app.

According to the bank, the new innovation would allow users to accomplish a variety of things on WhatsApp, including account-to-Mpesa/Airtel Money transfers, inter-account transfers, bill payments, and balance inquiries.

Registering Absa WhatsApp Banking

Managing Director Jeremy Awori said the decision demonstrates the bank’s commitment to continue investing in digitally led creative solutions during the service’s official debut on Tuesday.

Save Abby’s number 0710 130 000 as a contact on your phone to register for Absa WhatsApp banking.

Open WhatsApp and look through your contact list for Abby. To register, say “Hello” and follow the procedures to begin transacting.

“This is a really exciting moment for us at Absa not just because this solution is first-in-market, but more so because it will significantly transform the way our customers interact with us. Essentially, we are transforming banking from being a series of complex transactions into a simple conversation on WhatsApp. We have shaped a rich history as a bank of many firsts and today we are excited to continue on this streak of innovation.” Awori. 

Kenya has the largest percentage of monthly WhatsApp users in the world, according to the Global Web Index’s 2020 Social Media User Trends Report, with over 97 percent of all internet users in the country using WhatsApp.

The launch of WhatsApp banking ushers in a new era of banking in which transactional, conversational, and personalized banking services are seamlessly integrated, fast, and dependable.

“With this solution, each of our customers gets access to a 24/7 digital personal banker who can help them perform transactions upon receiving simple instructions on chat.” Awori.

So, instead of calling your Relationship Manager or going to the branch to conduct a transaction, you can now just offer instructions via WhatsApp.

From a security standpoint, Awori stated that they have implemented a multi-layered method.

Registration is the second layer of security. When we register a customer, we check the cellphone number, see whether it’s been SIM-swapped, and make sure the registered cellphone number is linked to the customer’s Absa profile.

To make it even more personal, the bank has given this feature a real face in the form of Abby, a dedicated, always-on financial assistant.