OREANDA-NEWS. July 10, 2013. Eurasian Bank launches a number of innovative projects, opening a new 24/7 call-center in Almaty and around the clock self-service points throughout Kazakhstan. It plans to develop and improve the package of Smartbank services for electronic banking of individuals. Mr. Michael Eggleton, CEO of the Management Board has unveiled the Bank’s development plans and strategy for effective interaction with customers, at the Eurasian Bank Press Club meeting. The meeting with journalists has been held at the Altyn Tai equestrian center.

According to Michael Eggleton, the Bank shows exceptional key performance indicators. Thus, at the end of May, 2013 the Bank's assets increased by 26% compared to the same period last year and amounted to KZT 522 billion. Net profit (according to NBRK) at the end of 5 months of this year has doubled compared to the same period last year and now amounts to KZT 5 billion (at the end of 5 months of the last year – KZT 2.5 billion). Equity of the Bank at the end of May, 2013 was KZT 50.9 billion having increased by 46.6% versus the same period last year.

Michael Eggleton also denied rumors about his alleged impending resignation, and the potential sale of Eurasian Bank, calling them unreliable. "There is a decision of shareholders — I won’t leave this post. As for sale — effectively operating bank is always attractive to buyers. But now Eurasian Bank is not announced for sale," said CEO of the Management Board.

Michael Eggleton sees the perspective in the new, innovative products at the Kazakhstan market. The development of electronic technologies have changed the outlook of the banks and their customers: transactions are conducted electronically, and cash flows can be controlled by using tablets or mobile phones.

New technologies have already contributed to obtaining an important competitive advantage: saving time of customers. In average, Eurasian Bank opens one outlet per week. Over the past 12 months it opened 60 settlement outlets and one branch. Additional 40 outlets and a branch in Kyzylorda will be presented until the end of the year.

"Banking technologies are moving forward, developing, and we try to fit — comply with innovation trends. Our main task is to make life easier for our customers using all the best" commented Herman Tischendorf, IT Managing Director.

Teller Cash Recyclers (TCR) serve as an example of saving time in Eurasian Bank. One machine increases the efficiency of an outlet about 7-10 times. 44 TCRs are installed in the Eurasian Bank’s outlets now. This number will rise to hundred by the end of the year.

Another innovation is the new call-center that will provide a high level of service to the customers, said Romain Hochet, Operating Business Managing Director. "The Bank is growing and the number of calls, too. The service had to be restructured, so we increased the staff. Two hundred operators are working on an area of 800 square meters now. Calls are accepted round the clock on a multichannel line, including international and mobile phone calls. This is especially convenient for those customers who are abroad and are unable to call during business hours due to time difference. We also have a function of Skype-consultant which has been launched recently," said Romain Hochet.

A free channel allows responding promptly to requests, no matter where the customer is located. According to Eurasian Bank statistics, the call-center receives an average of 250,000 incoming calls each month processed by two hundred operators. Another 70,000 calls are made by operators. Thus, one operator handles about 1,500 calls per month.

At the end of the Press Club meeting Eurasian Bank announced the beginning of the competition among the media for the best article, dedicated to innovations in the banking industry. Winners will receive cash prizes. Information about the terms and conditions of the competition can be obtained by contacting the press-office.