FNB WIDENS PAYMENT RELIEF EFFORTS

MBABANE – First National Bank (FNB) Eswatini says its efforts to help customers whose financial positions are adversely impacted by COVID-19 are ongoing.

 In a statement, the bank assured of its continued commitment in helping the nation to address some of the prevalent economic difficulties during this time and beyond.

“As we escalate our efforts to help more customers, we are pleased to announce that from April 16 to June 30, we have simplified the process of applying for payment holidays, by adding a dedicated icon (COVID-19) on the FNB App which allows customers to apply with ease and get feedback on their application quicker without visiting the branch,” said, FNB Eswatini CEO, Dennis Mbingo.

The bank’s payment relief interventions, according to the statement, will assist customers who demonstrate sound banking behaviour to get access to a three-month COVID-19- related relief arrangement. FNB Eswatini Head of Credit Thandeka Dlamini stated that one of the conditions for qualifying was that the customer should have honoured their repayments to the bank consistently prior to COVID-19.

Interventions

Dlamini also stated that customers should ensure that they have the latest version of the FNB App as the COVID-19 icon will only be visible with this version.
If the icon does not show on the Home page, a recent version of the App can be downloaded via the customer’s App Store on their device.
In addition to the interventions, the bank has assisted qualifying customers with discounted transactional fees and price waivers through its Debt Relief Programme, available from April 16 to June 30, 2020.

The programme covers Instalment Cashflow Relief, during which part or no instalments/repayments will be due for home, personal as well as WesBank loans.
“To note, no fees will be charged for any repayment relief granted over the period.
“The above will be applicable to Retail customers wishing to apply for relief. Interest and fees will continue to accumulate on outstanding balances.,” reads the statement.

Future

 Dlamini said over the past few weeks,  their personalised approach resulted in several satisfactory solutions being taken up by customers, from  their  base to SMEs and larger commercial entities.

“Many individual customers in our Retail segment have successfully contacted us and provision has been made for the foreseeable future already. Because our customers are impacted differently, we consider personalised support as paramount.

“Each customer is valued, and we are committed to taking the time to ensure adequate and affordable help where customers need it most,” shared Dlamini.
Mbingo, on the other hand, added that by creating a simpler approach, they aimed to help customers keep their financial affairs in order during the COVID-19 outbreak and thanked them for their continued understanding and support.

“The level of agility the industry has shown over this period would not be possible without the leadership of our government and that of the Central Bank of Eswatini whose continuous engagement with the banks has allowed space for providing tailor-made banking solutions for our customers,” said Mbingo.
The App solution is available for Retail customers (Individuals) for now.

The Business App solution will be activated shortly. For now, business clients can continue to contact the bank for COVID-19 relief through their respective Relationship Managers or by sending an electronic mail to getsupport@fnb.co.sz. WhatsApp texts can be sent to 7802 9591.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: