BBK, Bahrain’s pioneer in retail and commercial banking, announced the launch of an array of tailored services that are designed to enhance the Retail Banking experience for its customers with Special Needs. The new services, which were launched on the 2nd of January, 2017 at the Budaiya Financial Mall, underscore BBK’s continued commitment to meet the needs of all of its customers. In fact, the Bank launched the first ATM in Bahrain that was specially designed for the visually impaired in 2014 at Isa Town Financial Mall followed by Riffa and Budaiya Financial Malls.

Commenting on the launch, BBK’s Chief Executive, Mr. Reyadh Sater, said: “BBK is dedicated to continually enhance the customer’s Retail Banking experience and hence, we highlight the importance of listening carefully to our customers and ensure responding to their needs. The launch of our dedicated services is a response to our Special Needs customers’ desire to carry out their banking activities with convenience, independence and complete privacy.”

The Bank improved its Budaiya Financial Mall to make it fully accessible to cater to customers with Special Needs. In addition to offering dedicated parking spaces, the Financial Mall has a permanent wheelchair access ramp and special tiles to guide visually impaired customers to the ATM and to the Special Needs Priority Desk which has been also lowered to cater to wheel chair users. Additionally, the Financial mall offers Braille application forms and voice-over support for account opening shall the visually impaired customers prefer an audio recorded version of the terms and conditions to assist them in conducting their banking transactions independently.

Moreover, the bank’s queuing system also offers priority automatically to all existing Special Needs customers by simply using their Smart Cards or debit cards in the Ticket Printer’s built-in card reader.  Furthermore, the bank ensures that all customers with Special Needs are exempt from fees and charges on withdrawals done through bank counters as well as minimum account balance requirements  on Current and Savings accounts. The bank also offers a dedicated door-to-door service to Special Needs customers with limited mobility for any non-cash service.

“At BBK we really do promise Brighter banking for everyone, and we are committed to deliver on that promise. Our new bouquet of dedicated services not only include enhancements to our physical branches and ATM’s, but also encompass the training and development of our people. Through specialized courses, including sign language, BBK employees are able to maintain a better understanding of the needs of all our customers.” Mr. Reyadh Sater added.

Coinciding with the launch, BBK also welcomed members from Bahrain Mobility International for a tour in the Budaiya Financial Mall to explore the new facilities dedicated to customers with Special Needs. The members of the Bahrain Mobility International expressed their admiration towards BBK’s efforts to better serve the segment and were impressed with the services being offered and dedicated to customers with Special Needs.