admin
Oliver Kazunga, Senior Business Reporter
OLD MUTUAL Zimbabwe yesterday commissioned its one-stop shop centre in Bulawayo, a development that will see the integrated financial group offering a number of its services under one roof.
The new “Green Zone” facility is the second of its kind in the country following the launch of a similar centre by Old Mutual in Harare in October 2013.
Speaking at the commissioning of the facility in the city, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe deputy governor Charity Dhliwayo commended Old Mutual for launching the new service.
“These efforts and initiatives are commendable given that in the financial services sector the drive for excellence is a matter of priority, particularly taking into account that the well-being of the sector is integral to the health and prosperity of the Zimbabwean economy,” she said.
“I understand the first Green Zone (Harare) … was ranked highly amongst the financial services centres in the world and I’ve no doubt that this one will follow suit – if not surpassing the first one – befitting the City of Kings.”
Dhliwayo noted that barriers to financial inclusion in Zimbabwe include distance to access points, high product and service distribution costs, among others.
In this light, she said, Old Mutual was commendable for investing in innovative products, delivery channels and other programmes that underpin the Reserve Bank’s financial inclusion strategy.
“The Green Zone initiative enables the banking public to access a full bouquet of financial services under one roof. Further, I’m reliably informed that the ultimate objective is to establish several such centres across the country, thus promoting financial inclusion through geographical outreach,” said Dhliwayo.
Earlier on, Old Mutual group chief executive officer Jonas Mushosho said the Green Zone concept was part of their strategy to bring closer cooperation and synergy among the group’s companies.
“The Green Zone will bring together comprehensive financial advice, investment and banking expertise of Old Mutual Zimbabwe Limited companies under one roof. Customers can now access products and services from the following business units: Old Mutual Life Assurance Company, Old Mutual Investment Group, Old Mutual Property, Old Mutual Insurance Company, Old Mutual Securities and CABS,” he said.
Online Reporter