"Clickatell's interfaces are so flexible and user-friendly that it required little integration or effort from the Bank and Clickatell effortlessly combined FNB's text-based banking alert service and the mobile messaging carrier's cutting edge mobile messaging gateway. FNB are able to notify its customers immediately of account transactions via an SMS message to their mobile phones. Enabling clients to keep up-to-the-minute with all activity taking place in their accounts, and to monitor and detect any fraudulent activity." Len Pienaar, CEO of FNB Mobile and Transact Solutions, FNB (SA) The benefits of mobile banking are demonstrable and immediate. Clickatell outlines below the primary benefits offered by SMS mobile banking for both customers and financial companies.

Reduce your operating costs

One of Clickatell's clients on the African continent, SatCom Networks Africa Ltd operates out of Tanzania and uses SMS notifications to alert banks to problems before they become customer complaints. This includes alerting banks to ATM events such as low stock of funds or paper, power failures, attempts at frauds etc. This innovative service allows banks to proactively resolve problems before they become issues.

SMS mobile banking is cost-effective which lowers the financial risk involved in rolling out new banking initiatives. It is immediate and effective and with two-way messaging enabled, campaigns can be monitored in real-time affording the opportunity to change strategy if need be. Clickatell's SMS mobile banking solutions can be integrated into existing infrastructure or externally managed so no additional personnel are needed.

SMS mobile banking reduces the potential for fraud immediately as fraud and account transaction notifications are sent in real-time empowering customers to take action immediately. Give customers peace of mind around the accuracy and security of their financial transactions through SMS authentication PIN codes and transaction text notifications.

Use premium-rated SMS to charge for banking transactions and create an additional revenue stream for your financial institution. Commissions and service fees on mobile payments and transfers are another potential income stream. Customers can also purchase goods and services via a mobile banking platform and the mobile number database can be used for cross-selling purposes - particularly time and event related options. This could include insurance packages, discounted holiday packages and premium banking services. Prepaid airtime, electricity vouchers, coupons etc can all be purchased via mobile phone.

Offering existing customers an additional, secure, easy to use banking channel is sure to improve the loyalty or 'stickiness' of customers to your brand. It can also act as an attraction point to new customers looking for ease of access and innovative services. There are many practical ways of using SMS text messaging to increase the level of service you offer customers:

• Use SMS transaction and fraud alerts to guarantee their level of banking security.
• Allow customers to receive critical information and services via SMS messages.
• Allow your customers to communicate with you via SMS text message and set-up an 'intelligent customer callback service' that negates the need for customers to wait in frustrating phone queues.
• Run SMS marketing campaigns to attract new customers to your institution; because these campaign results are available immediately, the return on investment is measurable.
• Allow customers the flexibility and peace of mind to access their bank accounts on the go, receive their balance notifications and perform banking functions. A simple SMS service offering 'point of sale' SMS receipts contributes to customers feeling assured that their money transactions are accurate and secure.
• Mobile to mobile fund transfers are a very convenient way for customers to make payments.

What mobile messaging advantages does Clickatell offer your financial institution?