In today's digital age, where convenience is king, financial institutions are taking financial service accessibility to new heights with their innovative platforms.

Banking through social media channels represents a trailblazing evolution in the way financial services interact with consumers. This method represents the widespread use and accessiblity of social media platforms to provide financial transactions and services, enhancing convenience and user engagement.

For regional lender Equity Group, Equity Virtual Assistant (EVA) is redefining what it means to "go to the bank" by allowing customers to perform a variety of banking tasks directly through their favourite social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram.

This approach not only aligns with modern communication habits but also drastically simplifies how everyday banking is done, offering seamless integration of financial services into the daily digital experience of thousands of customers.

Equity's Virtual Assistant, aptly named EVA, transforms traditional banking into a friendly coversation on your preferred social media app. Need to check your balance, pay bills, or even take out a loan? EVA is ready to assist at any hour without the need for a bank visit or even swutching apps. This always-on service is designed for the ultimate in user convenience, enabling customers to manage their finances on-the-go from any location, at any time.

Here's how it works: users simply save a number to their phone to chat with EVA on WhatsApp, look up EquityEva on Facebook Messenger, or find @Equitychatbot on Telegram. A quick "Hello Eva" is enough to activate the service and start interacting. Whether it's buying airtime, sending money, or requesting a ministatement, EVA can handle various transactions taht were traditionally managed in-person or through separate banking apps.

Seamless intergration

EVA not only provides the practicality of executing transactions but also enhances customer engagement through its conversational interface. This platform is part of Equity's broader strategy to meet customers where they are and cater to their evolving needs. By integrating banking services with widely-used social media platforms, Equity is breaking down barriers to financial inclusion and transforming the customer experience.

Additionally, the ability to link an existing Equity bank account, view transaction histories, borrow money, or pay loans through a simple chat interface means that banking tasks are significantly demystified and made more accessible. Customers can also raise complaints, request support, and provide feedback directly through EVA, ensuring that their voices are heard and acted upon swiftly.

Read also: Equity’s ascent in Rwanda’s banking industry

A step towards future banking

Looking forward, Equity Bank plans to expand EVA's capability to other social media platforms, continually adapting to technological advancements and customer preferences. This proactive approach not only demonstrates Equity's commitment to innovation but also sets a new standard in the banking sector for customer-focused, technology-driven service offerings.

By leveraging technology to simplify and personalize banking, Equity is not just providing a service but is enhancing the way financial services fit into people's lives. EVA represents a pivotal shift towards more interactive, immediate, and meaningful banking interactions that promise to grow in sophistication and utility as customer needs and digital technologies evolve.

As banking evolves, technology is increasingly creating more value and convenience for users, making financial management a seamlessly integrated part of daily digital interactions.

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