BNP Paribas opens concept branch

BNP Paribas has launched its first concept 'laboratory' branch in Paris to test new technologies and a "new approach to banking relationships".

The bank carried out a survey to gain customer input before building the '2 Opéra' branch, at 2, Place de l'Opéra, 75002 Paris.

It includes a self-service area where people can carry out cash and cheque transactions from 7am to 11pm, seven days a week.

A 'banking boutique' area lets customers use iPads to browse products and services covering "nine essential lifestyle needs".

The financial information section offers access to economic and money information and lets users check on the main stock market prices via televised programmes in French or English.

A lounge enables both existing and prospective customers to surf the Internet via their own smartphone or with an iPad provided gratis while kids have a play area where they can draw on a tiled wall or watch TV.

Related Companies

BNP Paribas

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Retail banking

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Branch banking

Comments: (1)

Peter Gullberg - Todos AB - a Gemalto company - GOTHENBURG 18 February, 2011, 08:22

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I like futuristics things, that's part of my job, iPad is a nice buzzword to tell people that we are thinking of the future. But I hardly believe the future is to handle cheque and cash transactions.

I my opinion, the future are communication interfaces that enables the bank to meet their customers, in the situation the customer is in. No matter if it's in the sofa or standing in front of a POS checking her balance, before buying that nice dress on sale.

Future is also about re-structuring banks physical/IT-infrastructure, where providing new services will be more important than manage cash. Buying on the internet should be as easy as buying a cup of coffee, and the bank want to be a natural part of customers life.