Australian bank tests iBeacon in three Sydney branches
St. George Bank in Australia this week announced the start of iBeacon trials within its retail branch network, marking an Australian-first for a bank to adopt the new technology, according to a press release.
Currently being trialed in three Sydney branches, the technology delivers a personalized experience each time a St. George customer enters a branch by sending a welcome message and tailored information directly to their iPhone from an iPad in the branch, the bank said in a press release. Customers can respond to the message or cancel the interaction.
The purpose of the trial is to gain feedback from customers to ensure the service genuinely meets their needs and enhances their experience with St. Geroge, according to the release.
George Frazis, CEO of St. George Banking Group, said in a statement the launch of the new technology forms part of an increased focus on delivering an innovative and customer-centric in-branch experience.
"The future of business will be in the ability to anticipate customer's needs, understand what matters to them and act on that knowledge to surprise and delight them," he said. "Our investment in iBeacon will help us to achieve that — and it has the potential to dramatically change the service experience in Australian banking."