Bookmark & Share
(SINGAPORE) ION Orchard is the swankiest mall in Orchard Road, and after the well-heeled shoppers, the banks aren't far behind.
Standard Chartered Bank has become the first bank to open a branch there, expanding its local network to 18 branches across the island.
'Our newest branch at ION Orchard brings us to the heart of the retail action, allowing us to bring greater convenience and cater to consumers needs while offering a refreshing banking experience,' said Lai Pei-Si, head of branch sales and service.
'This is part of our overall approach to grow our distribution footprint at locations that will bring us closer to our customers, and being available to customers when and where they want to bank, through a variety of channels like branch banking, mobile and Internet banking.'
The bank announced the official opening of the branch over the weekend.
But Stanchart may not be alone as OCBC Bank is holding out the possibility of opening at ION too.
'OCBC Bank is always looking at opportunities in the Orchard shopping district where we can build on our presence, and more importantly, at areas where customers would find it convenient to bank with us,' said Koh Ching Ching, head of group corporate communications.
'Should there be a suitable location that will cater to our customers' needs, lifestyles and preferences in order to provide them with relevant services, we will consider it.'
At the moment, banks such as United Overseas Bank, DBS Bank and HSBC, which already have a presence in the Orchard Road area, say that they have no immediate intention of opening at ION.
UOB has a branch at Somerset while DBS has a branch at Plaza Singapura, a DBS Treasures Centre at Ngee Ann City and POSB branches at Centrepoint and Ngee Ann City.
HSBC has two branches in Orchard Road, one at Claymore Hill and the other at Dhoby Ghaut.
For now, ION shoppers can bank at the new 1,800 square foot Stanchart branch, nestled among popular and mass affluent high street labels, bridge fashion brands and lifestyle shops. The branch aims to provide consumers with greater access and transactional convenience while shopping at Singapore's hottest mall attraction.
A total of nine counters for teller and financial advisory will greet customers, as well as a priority queue exclusive to priority banking customers.
To celebrate the opening of the branch, Stanchart is offering customers attractive premiums, including a limited edition Swatch watch for new credit card and current and savings account sign-ups or a 20 per cent cashback on its platinum credit cards.
With findings revealing that some consumers prefer to visit banks on weekends when they are most relaxed and with their families, Stanchart's ION branch will open every day, from 11am to 9pm.
This will be in addition to the five other Stanchart branches that open every day, at VivoCity, Suntec City, Marine Parade, Tampines and Woodlands.
Search Property News
