Singapore's DBS is bidding to attract the tech generation back into the branch via a new instore 'lifestyle space', featuring freshly-brewed coffee, humanoid robots, video tellers and virtual reality retirement planning.
Designed with a 'café and branch' concept, customers are welcomed to the new open plan space by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee at the entrance of the branch, where Bettr Barista, a social enterprise supported by the DBS Foundation, stands.
Built to appeal to the techno-literate youth segment, the space is bristling with technological innovations, including top-of-the-range ATMs, video teller machines for face-to-face interactions, a 'VR Corner' for headset-based retirement planning and on-the-spot guidance from Pepper, the humanoid robot.
Social interactions are also part of the mix, including a talent development showcase spot to groom budding singing talents, culminating in a National Youth Music Awards competition in 2018. There are also plans to hold monthly latte art and coffee appreciation classes with Bettr Barista, financial talks by NAV - Your Financial GPS and art work exhibitions by students.
Jeremy Soo, head of consumer banking group (Singapore), DBS Bank, says: “We believe social networking in a physical space is equally important and that is why we are transforming this lifestyle branch to allow customers to interact with one another based on their interests. By reimagining banking, we want to change the impression of what branch banking is for the tech generation - hence offering this new relaxed environment, where banking is woven into our customers’ daily lives.”