HSBC Bank is to set up a €2m contingency facility in Fgura to provide continuity of operations in cases of emergencies requiring the evacuation of staff from operational buildings.
The bank said that after a very detailed assessment of the options available, it had decided to invest in its existing property in Fgura. This site was chosen due to its location, size and structure. The building already serves as a business continuity facility for the bank’s business and will be further developed to accommodate a wider range of facilities, including 155 contingency workspaces. Work on the Fgura site is expected to be completed by June 2015.
The current branch will be relocated to Żabbar Road in Fgura. It will be a fully automated operation with state-of-the-art ATMs and deposit machines. Support customer service and teller services for the Żabbar Road branch in Fgura will be provided in the nearby branches of Żabbar, Paola and Cospicua.
The members of staff working in the current Fgura branch will be redeployed in other branches. Existing Fgura branch account customers can continue to access their accounts and banking services from any branch of their choice.
The bank said it was also continuing its €13 million programme for the renovation of branches and installation of next generation ATMs. Earlier this year it completed the renovation and upgrading of the Victoria and Valletta Merchants Street branches.
Over the past three years, 13 HSBC Branches were refurbished: Valletta, Victoria, Buġibba, Ħamrun, Swieqi, Paola, Żejtun, Mosta, Żurrieq, San Ġwann, Birkirkara, Sliema and Żabbar. All ATMs have been upgraded to new machines with enhanced security and anti-skimming devices as well as enhanced functionality such as instant deposits.
In July, HSBC launched its highly popular free Mobile Banking App for iPad, iPhone or Android smartphones. The app allows users – once logged in – to view their account balances, details and history. They can also transfer between their own accounts, including their credit card, as well as pay bills, send and receive secure messages, and view currency and deposit rates, among other features. Users can also transfer funds to any other third-party HSBC accountholders, including those who don’t use mobile banking.