|
The National Australia Bank has announced a trial of two state-of-the-art investment centres in Sydney and Melbourne, as part of a wider strategy to cater for the full investment and financial needs of customers. The centres, one based on the corner of Pitt and Hunter Streets in Sydney's central business district, and the other, in the main shopping precinct of Camberwell in Melbourne's inner east, will provide a relaxed environment where customers can access information and advice about investing. Mr Mike Pratt, the National's Chief Executive Officer, Australian Financial Services, said the centres were a first for the National and the financial services industry in Australia. Visitors to a National Investment Centre will be able to sit down, relax and catch up on investment news. Australian share prices are continuously displayed on a web-based stock market board, and regular television broadcasts, such as CNN, provide the latest news on overseas markets. "The centres have been co-located with existing National branch outlets, which enjoy a steady stream of retail and business pedestrian traffic and excellent street frontage. They will be open extended hours during the week, with the Camberwell centre also open weekends to take advantage of Saturday and Sunday retail trade," said Mr Pratt. Other services provided by the centres include: direct access to investment and financial planning experts; educational videos regarding basic investment strategies, library resources; investment seminars and online share trading (via National Online Trading). "This latest development fits perfectly with the National's multi-channel distribution strategy where customers are provided with a variety of convenient ways to access our products and services," said Mr Pratt. "Over the past 12 months we have announced a string of new retail concepts, establishing outlets within three Coles' supermarkets in Melbourne, Perth and recently Maroochydore (QLD), as well a Financial Solutions Shop in Ringwood, Victoria. "We are also in the midst of expanding our convenience banking facilities for about 150 metropolitan branches in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, as part of Operation First Choice. Branches are being re-merchandised with deposit ATMs, deposit drop boxes, and demonstration facilities for EFTPOS, Telephone Banking and Internet Banking," he said. Later in the year, the National also intends to trial a range of new services with Australia Post, which will particularly benefit rural and regional areas.
|
