Australian bank ANZ has opened a tech-packed wealth management centre in Sydney, with a mobile app set to follow.
Customers increasingly use digital channels to carry out basic banking transactions but for more complicated matters such as wealth management many still prefer personal interaction.
ANZ is bidding to unite the physical and digital channels with its Sydney 'Grow Centre' where specialist staffers will not only provide advice and give seminars but also help customers download apps and show them how to manage their money online.
More centres are slated to open in Melbourne, Auckland and Singapore while a dedicated wealth management app is set to launch soon.
ANZ says that it is also working with IBM to explore how it can use IBM's Watson supercomputer, providing customer service agents with a troubleshooting engine that is responsive to the personal needs of individual clients.
Joyce Phillips, CEO, global wealth, ANZ, says: "We know that when it comes to financial relationships, more people are using mobile devices to connect with information and for simple transactions. But we also know that for more complex matters like managing their wealth, people still want to connect in person.
"Customer insights tell us that when customers are looking to connect they want to engage in fresh open environments, with access to digital tools and specialist personal service."