Muscat: Bank Muscat has announced that it will further extend and improve Oman’s largest e-channel network as the ongoing plan to strengthen the bank’s Phygital (Physical + digital) network including automated teller machines (ATMs), cash deposit machines (CDMs), full-function machines (FFMs), multifunction kiosks (MFK) and statement printers (SP).
Hence, the bank has kickstarted the implementation of a plan to install a large number of new high-capacity machines across population hubs as well as rural areas in Oman as part of its customer-centric vision and overall digital banking strategy.
This includes the installation of many additional machines (ATMs, CDMs and FFMs) till 2024.
As the first part of this plan, the bank will replace 151 existing machines with the latest state-of-the-art CDMs and FFMs, including 60 machines in the Muscat Capital area and 91 in other governorates.
Further to the replacement of 151 machines, in-depth research on customer requirements and an analysis of the existing network was conducted to add additional machines and expand the network over the next 3 years.
During 2023, the bank plans to add 50 to 55 new machines including 27 FFMs, 13 ATMs, and 5 CDMs. The new machines will be installed at new locations in Al Sharqiyah South, Al Batinah North and South, Al Dhakhiliyah, and Dhofar. The bank is also currently in the process of installing 9 MFKs at prominent locations across Oman, which will enable instant delivery of replacement and new debit cards for customers around the clock.
Simultaneously, a number of new features are also being added to the bank’s machines including an NFC reader, which will enable customers to just tap their card on the reader to initiate a transaction, instead of inserting it. Customers will be able to update their phone numbers in real time. ATMs will also offer dynamic currency conversion for the benefit of customers.