-
Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Zenith Bank Plc, has introduced an Artificial Intelligence (AI)powered Chatbot on WhatsApp named ZIVA (Zenith Intelligent Virtual Assistant), which enablescustomers to perform financial transactions and enjoy real-time customer service from their mobilephones.Customers can enrol by simply adding the bank’s verified WhatsApp mobile number 07040004422on their mobile devices, agree to the legal terms of use and then initiate a conversation. Thisproduct provides the convenience for the bank’s customers to interact and transact on a 24 hoursbasis on the encrypted WhatsApp platform.With this capability to respond to chats/queries anchored on the existing WhatsApp platform,customers will be able to open new accounts, receive instant transaction notifications, check theirbalances on the go, transfer funds and top up airtime. They will also be able to confirm cheques,pay bills, apply for loans, block their accounts, and request mini statements, amongst otherbanking services.Commenting on the new banking solution, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of ZenithBank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu said: “The launch of ZIVA is driven by the need for additionalsecured channels of communication with our customers as we deepen our retail penetration”.Speaking further on the WhatsApp chatbot, Onyeagwu noted that “since the behavioural pattern ofthe modern customer dictates that they want to engage with brands over the channel of theirchoice, it was really important for us as a leading financial services institution and a pioneer ofseveral technological innovations in the financial services industry to implement this solution inorder to continue to create value for our teeming customers who incidentally were already usingWhatsApp as a primary channel of communication”.Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry throughsuperior service offerings, unique customer experience and sound financial indices. The bank hasremained a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovativeproducts, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed andsafety of transactions.The bank’s commitment to world-class service standards has led to several product innovations,including the “Zenith Timeless Account”, which allows Nigerians aged 60 years and above bank forfree, the “Zenith Save4me”, a high-interest target savings account and the deployment ofcontactless payments and QR on ATM points, amongst others.Zenith Bank places a premium on its core business strategy anchored on People, Technology andService, to create value for its numerous clientele. With a team of dedicated professionals, the
-
bank leverages its robust Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure toprovide cutting-edge solutions and products through its network of branches and electronic/digitalchannels.In recognition of its track record of excellent performance and commitment to best-in-class service,Zenith Bank was voted as Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria in the World Finance Banking Awards2021, Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020, Best Bank inNigeria in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards 2020 and 2021, and Best in CorporateGovernance ‘Financial Services’ Africa 2020 and 2021 by the Ethical Boardroom. Also, the bankemerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 BankingBrands 2020 and 2021, and Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the “2021 Top 1000World Banks” Ranking by The Banker Magazine. The bank was also recognised as Bank of theDecade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Retail Bank of the year at the 2020BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards, and Best Company inPromotion of Good Health and Well-Being as well as Best Company in Promotion of GenderEquality and Women Empowerment at the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility (SERAS)Awards 2020.
![]()
