HSBC Armenia - Homepage
19 September 2011
HSBC Bank Armenia resumes the service of VISA and MasterCards and starts serving ArCa cards
HSBC Bank Armenia has resumed acquiring of international VISA and MasterCards and started servicing ArCa cards via its ATM network, as a result of $1million worth software upgrade project. The bank stopped accepting international cards in November 2009 due to technical and security issues.
Now the whole network of more than 50 ATMs is ready to accept and serve cards issued by both local as well as international banks, operating under ArCa, VISA or MasterCard systems.
The software upgrade has also allowed the bank to reduce the tariff for encashment - another step towards improved service at better pricing. Now all cardholders of the ArCa as well as travelers/tourists and other local bank cardholders can easily access their funds via more than 50 ATMs of HSBC Armenia.
The bank has also invested USD 150 thousand stated to issue chip and pin cards, which provide customers with higher security than cards with magnetic stripe.
In addition to 53 standard ATMs the bank has also launched its first Drive Through ATM on 20A Myasnikyan Street, Arax petrol station. The new device will provide maximum convenience, saving both time and effort, as customers will be able to obtain cash without leaving their cars and without having to think about finding a parking space. It will increase convenience for customers who are travelling out of Yerevan on one of the main roads leading out of the city, and they will be able to withdraw funds without getting out of their cars.
"HSBC has been the first bank to bring in ATMs to Armenia in 1996, and I am pleased to be the first with drive through ATMs. We are committed to our promise to continually invest in new technologies to improve customer experience.", - HSBC Bank Armenia Chief Executive Officer Astrid Clifford said.
Media enquiries to: Ruben Meloyan on + 374 10 515 248 or at
ruben.meloyan@hsbc.com
Notes to editors:
1. HSBC Bank Armenia cjsc
HSBC Bank Armenia cjsc was the first international bank to open in Armenia in 1996. The bank is a joint venture between the HSBC Group, which has 70 percent ownership, and members of overseas Armenian businesses. The bank offers a wide range of products and services to individual as well as corporate customers, including personal financial services, commercial banking and treasury and capital markets services. Thanks to the HSBC network in 87 countries and territories, the bank is uniquely positioned to provide truly international services to its customers.
HSBC Bank Armenia announced its financial results for the first half of 2011. The bank recorded growth in almost all financial indicators. Pre-tax profit increased to AMD 3.5 billion, a 48% increase on the same period in 2010. Total assets at 30 June 2011 were up by 7 % compared to 31 December 2010, amounting to AMD155 billion. Gross customer loans increased by 6 % to AMD91 billion as at 30 June 2011, with the corporate loan portfolio being AMD69 billion. Customer deposits increased by 4 % to AMD109 billion as at 30 June 2011.
HSBC Bank Armenia is the largest taxpayer in Armenian banking sector according to the results of the first half of 2011, ranking 14th on the list of 1,000 biggest Armenian taxpayers
Last updated on: 10/10/2011 11:00
