By Alexander Alexeenko
The event brought together more participants than ever before. It’s no surprise, since IT companies are competing to develop new software for banks, while banks are keen to offer clients new services, to ensure customer loyalty. Clients seek convenience and ease of service above all else.
Opening the forum, Nadezhda Yermakova, the Chair of the National Bank’s Board of Directors, focused on this, saying, “The banking system in Belarus leads in terms of IT innovation; 2012 has seen enhanced remote banking, including a single settlement information space and the expansion of non-cash payments.”
Of course, much still needs to be done, as non-cash payments are currently unavailable in rural areas. Roadside services rarely offer card facilities: obviously inconvenient — especially for foreigners travelling through Belarus. Technologies need to be equally accessible countrywide.
The Director General of Infopark Scientific and Technological Association, Vladimir Basko, notes that innovations tested by banks can find application in other spheres and vice versa. For example, recent changes to the Tax Code allow for electronic delivery of documents: a step towards total electronic document flow.
Banks are keen to develop Internet banking, including from mobile phones. Naturally, this will also optimise the work of personnel. The most popular innovations use ‘cloud’ technologies online, with data stored virtually there rather than on bulky servers in banking offices. Many other areas are ripe for development, creating more convenience for customers.
