DUBAI, UAE, December 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• HSBC UAE Mobile Banking app tops Finance category
• New app was also rated in Top 25 most popular "Free" apps on UAE app store
• Almost 15% of Internet Banking logons through mobile in first two weeks

HSBC's mobile banking solution received an outstanding vote of confidence from its customers as the app achieved a ranking of No. 1, in the Finance category, on the UAE Apple app store, within 48 hours of launch. The new mobile banking app was also rated amongst the Top 25 most popular "Free" apps.

HSBC UAE recently launched its new Mobile Banking solution in UAE, delivering the bank's Internet Banking platform customised for smartphone screens. HSBC customers, owning any Apple device, now have access to most of the same functions as desktop users via any GPRS, 3G and wireless (Wi-Fi) network. Using the new digital solution, customers in the UAE can view account details and transaction history, transfer funds between HSBC UAE accounts, access exclusive credit card offers in the UAE and worldwide, make credit card and bill payments, view exchange rates, and more.

A survey conducted by the Bank in the UAE revealed that 94 per cent of its 2,580 respondents used a Smartphone while independent research carried out by the Informa Intelligence Centre projected that Smartphone penetration in the UAE would leap 15 per cent between 2009 and 2015.

"The response from customers to our Mobile Banking solution has been truly encouraging. In the first two weeks almost 15% of total logons on Internet Banking were through mobile. While we are not the first to market with a mobile solution, we focused our efforts towards developing an enhanced customer friendly interface and improved technology that is more modern than many other offerings in the market. Looking at the uptake of the app on the UAE app store, our customers evidently second that," said Robert Crossman, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, UAE, HSBC.

Customers do not need to register for the new service.  They simply need to download the free app and then enter their existing HSBC Personal Internet Banking username and password as they would to access their account through their desktop. Alternatively, customers can visit http://www.hsbc.ae using their Smartphone's web browser and access HSBC Internet Banking following standard log-in process.

Crossman also added: "Our customers' in the UAE lead very busy lifestyles managing work, family and social commitments simultaneously, making it difficult for them to find time to visit branches or to sit down in front of a computer to ensure their finances are in order. The mobile banking platform created by HSBC is simple, secure and efficient, and will allow customers to effortlessly integrate their everyday banking with other daily tasks."

According to Crossman, as mobile phone penetration increases, solutions such as HSBC's Mobile Banking will become the future of digital banking: "We are witnessing a trend where more and more banking customers will be moving away from desktop computers and going mobile. We look forward to charting these trends and bringing efficient banking solutions to our customers."

With a view to offering a secure and safe banking experience, HSBC's Mobile Banking service currently provides basic transaction services recognized as the most used online transactions by customers in UAE. For services such as Telegraphic Transfers, change of personal details or opening new accounts and so on, customers will still need to access Internet Banking using desktop computer.

The HSBC Mobile Banking App is available for free from UAE Apple app store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices at http://itunes.apple.com/ae/app/hsbc-uae/id475681838?mt=8

About HSBC in the MENA Region

HSBC is the largest and most widely represented international banking organisation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with operations in 14 countries.  HSBC has branches and offices in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Algeria and the Palestinian Autonomous Area. In Saudi Arabia, HSBC is a 40% shareholder of Saudi British Bank (SABB), and a 49% shareholder of HSBC Saudi Arabia for investment banking in the Kingdom. In Iraq, HSBC holds a majority shareholding in Dar Es Salaam Investment Bank. HSBC also maintains a representative office in Libya.

This presence, the widest coverage of any bank in the region, comprises some 285 branches and offices, and around 12,000 people. In the full year 2010, HSBC made a profit before tax of $892 million in the MENA region.

SOURCE HSBC UAE