Enhances WhatsApp Banking Channel with New Facilities

Bank of Ceylon (BOC), Sri Lanka’s premier financial institution, has announced the enhancement of its WhatsApp Banking service, BOC Meta, originally launched in May 2023. This development highlights BOC’s ongoing commitment to innovation and customer-centric digital banking solutions, cementing its leadership in the digital banking sphere.

BOC Meta Banking allows customers to access a comprehensive suite of information-based services directly via WhatsApp No 0112204444. Customers can now inquire about account balances, transaction history, credit card balances, and loan details conveniently through a messaging app. This pioneering service in Sri Lanka also includes live chat sessions with BOC Contact Center agents, providing immediate assistance. A notable feature is the Remittance Tracker, which enables customers to monitor the status of their inward remittances seamlessly. Additionally, BOC Meta Banking employs Location-Based Services to help customers find the nearest ATM, CDM, CRM, branch, or BOC Connect agent.

“In a significant move, BOC has introduced registration for cardless withdrawals and e-statement facilities through BOC Meta Banking, eliminating the need for branch visits. Customers can activate these services directly through WhatsApp, underscoring BOC’s dedication to innovation and enhancing customer satisfaction,” said Mr. Y. A. Jayathilaka, Deputy General Manager (Products and Banking Development) of BOC.

Customers can access BOC Meta Banking by saving the BOC contact number (011 220 4444) and initiating a chat on WhatsApp by typing “Hi”. A menu-based chat interface guides customers to select or type their desired service number. For financial transactions, customers must subscribe using their National Identity Card (NIC) registered with the bank, ensuring that the WhatsApp number matches the registered mobile number. Sensitive information is shared only after confirming a One-Time Password (OTP) sent via SMS. Non-customers can access most facilities except for account inquiries, making BOC Meta Banking a versatile tool for a wide range of users.

BOC Meta Banking ensures the confidentiality and security of information, leveraging WhatsApp Business’s end-to-end encryption. This robust security framework guarantees that customer messages and data remain private and protected. The service offers self-registration options, allowing users to onboard using their NIC and mobile number, regardless of nationality. Its user-friendly and flexible nature makes BOC Meta Banking particularly popular among Sri Lankan communities abroad, providing a convenient method for accessing banking services via chat.

BOC has a storied history of introducing cutting-edge digital solutions, including BOC Smart online banking, the B-APP mobile banking app, SmartPay QR scan mobile payment app, and more. The bank’s initiatives such as BOC Innovlab are designed to deliver futuristic banking solutions, reinforcing its position at the forefront of financial innovation. The bank is in the process of replacing its banking App with more user- friendly app built on latest technology during the year Mr Jayathilaka further stated.

BOC’s contributions to digital banking have been widely recognized. At the LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2024, BOC garnered several prestigious awards, including the Overall Award Gold for ‘Excellence in Digital Payments’, Gold awards for ‘Bank of the Year for Financial Inclusivity’ (Category A), ‘Best Common ATM Enabler of the Year’ (Category A), and ‘Best Bank for Digital Government Payments’. Additionally, BOC received the Silver award for ‘Best Bank for Retail Payments’ and a Merit Award for ‘Most Popular Digital Payment Product’ (State Banks Category).

For over 84 years, Bank of Ceylon has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s financial landscape, connecting individuals and businesses to global opportunities. BOC’s extensive network with over 2,000 touch points spread across the nation, ensures that bank’s customers have convenient access to a wide range of financial services. Moreover BOC was ranked as  the only Sri Lankan Bank among the Top 1000 World Banks 2023 and the Banker of the Year 2023 by The Banker Magazine UK, The Number 1 Banking Brand in Sri Lanka  by Brand Finance Lanka. BOC also received the People’s Banking Services Brand of the year at the SLIM KANTAR Peoples Awards 2024.Internationally, Bank of Ceylon has established a strong presence with branches in key locations such as London, UK; Male and Hulhumalé in the Maldives; Chennai, India; and the Seychelles.