Indicative of the trend towards clicks-and-mortar, US Internet banking pioneer directbanking.com has opened its first interactive branch at 52 Congress Street in Boston.
The new branch aims to match the automated service standards of online banking with personalised support via live video conference for each customer. It will feature six Video Banker Internet kiosks with video conferencing capabilities, a stock ticker, and on-site staff to help customers with immediate queries.
Customers will be able to scan personal identification and open an account via a video conferencing link. Three conference rooms will also be available to clients for private banking matters and other business activities.
Directbanking.com was initially set up by 145-year old Salem Five Cents bank in 1995. Salem Five and directbanking.com CEO William Mitchelson, says: "Consumers are about to be treated to one of the most technologically advanced bank branches in the nation."