Deborah Oversby: “Premier Banking is the apex of what Barclays offers to customers”

Barclays Bank Mauritius Limited recently revamped its Premier Banking Services in order to provide its clientele with more tailor-made products. Deborah Oversby, Head of Premier Banking (Products & Sales), gives us more insight into this concept in the interview below.

BUSINESSMAG.What is Premier Banking and how does it differ from other types of banking services?

In a nutshell, Premier Banking is the apex of what Barclays offers to customers in terms of products and services. Premier Banking revolves around the ‘Uniquely You!’ concept which translates our philosophy that different people need different things from a bank for the simple and obvious reason that each and every one of them is unique.

That is the reason why, at Barclays, instead of providing customers with conventional ‘one size fits all’ products and services, we have gone the other way round by designing Premier Banking around the customer, whatever be his or her needs now or in the future.

BUSINESSMAG. What is the idea behind the rebranding of these services? Are there any innovations that have been brought about?

The history of Barclays has always been one of continuous ‘firsts on the market’. Innovation is clearly spelt out through the tailor-made banking solutions we provide, as well as the convenience of on-demand banking services so that customers have access to their money whenever and wherever they need it.

Add to that the fact that Barclays currently is the only local bank to have a proprietary online banking application for IOS and Android mobile devices and that the highest levels of security underpin our Barclays Internet Retail online banking platform thanks to our unique One Time Password feature.

Barclays is also extremely proud to bring to its customers the Barclays Platinum Worldmiles Credit Card. This is a unique card offering whereby customers can earn reward points that can be used or converted for travelling around the world on any airline.

BUSINESSMAG. What are the advantages that clients benefit from under this segment?

Premier Banking literally crystallises Barclays unparalleled 300 year-old experience as a world-class customer-centric banking institution.

However, it goes much beyond that by providing Premier customers with truly hassle-free banking by putting at their disposal a dedicated Relationship Manager, who can meet them at a place of their convenience, backed by a complete and highly competent Premier Banking team to handle all banking requirements and meet all their financial needs.

Bearing in mind that our Barclays Premier customers have specific needs, we have accordingly crafted specific products for them. For example, our Premier Bonus Savings Account sees to it that customers benefit from our most rewarding proposition with the interest being doubled every three months subject to Terms and Conditions being met.

Premier customers are also provided with preferential rates for Fixed Term deposits, preferential lending rates, the option for Foreign Currency accounts in multiple currencies whilst their Premier Banking account brings to them free and instant enrolment to online banking, e-statements, online bill payments, free unlimited standing orders, direct debits, cheque books and free withdrawals at any Bank’s ATM on the island.

BUSINESSMAG. How does Barclays demarcate itself from other competitors offering the same services?

The fact that Barclays has been serving Mauritius for almost a century has helped us understand the trends of consumer banking. Our Premier banking concept is in itself a differentiator just as is Barclays approach to doing business and being at the service of our customers. With elite banking that’s just a phone call away, a comprehensive banking package blending convenience, benefits and security, we believe that Premier Banking has all the elements that individuals are looking for in terms of a modern, innovative and rewarding banking experience.

BUSINESSMAG. What is the vision behind the regrouping of a certain niche of clients of a special banking segment such as Premier Banking?

The reason is quite simple: it’s just that, as banking services providers, we are conscious that there is a need for elite banking services from a specific market segment consisting of professionals, business persons, affluent individuals and expatriates on the lookout for banking solutions that are quick and efficient, and which bring them the highest possible return. It is thus clear that serving a niche segment demands a differentiated business approach and treatment.