Allied Irish Bank (AIB) has unveiled a high-tech concept branch in Dublin that will showcase the firm's digital services.
Opening to the public today, 'The Lab' (Learn About Banking) branch in Dundrum Town Centre will provide visitors with traditional banking services and be equipped with consumer-friendly technology such as iPads and iMacs and wireless Internet.
However, its main purpose is to encourage the use of online and mobile channels by bringing together "AIB's leading edge technologies together in a physical hub to showcase, test and introduce consumers to the best digital banking experience in Ireland".
Explaining the rationale behind using a branch to promote branchless banking, Bernard Byrne, director, personal, business and corporate banking, AIB, told Business World: "Our mobile and online banking offerings are market-leading, yet almost half our customers have yet to embrace digital banking."
AIB has also opened 'The Lab'-specific Twitter and Facebook accounts, which as well as providing general information, are also being used for customer service, while several promotional videos have been posted on YouTube.