Mobile Lending Unit from BCR Expands Presence in Rural, Small Urban Communities Across Romania
Banca Comercială Română (BCR), a member of the Austrian Erste Group, is expanding its reach to underserved rural and small urban communities in Romania through the deployment of a 100% electric mobile bank. This initiative complements the bank's first mobile unit, which has been operational since October 2022.
The mobile unit, housed within a modular truck, boasts a usable space of 60 square meters and is equipped to provide services similar to a modern bank branch, complete with offices, digital services, multifunctional equipment, and necessary functionalities. The mobile unit, capable of covering a range of 400 kilometers and operating independently for about three hours without a power source, is part of BCR's financial inclusion program for local communities.
The program is undertaken in collaboration with Vodafone Romania, Omniasig Vienna Insurance Group, BCR Asigurari de Viată VIG, and, starting this year, healthcare provider Medlife. The electric mobile bank, combined with the existing mobile unit, will enable BCR to reach more communities, with plans to visit at least 24 such locations by 2025.
The mobile unit will be staffed by a financial-banking expert and a specialist in telecommunications and technology, with some communities also receiving medical experts from Medlife. The banking office within the mobile unit allows customers to digitally access daily banking operations through BCR's service George, or receive assistance from BCR experts. Services offered include opening current accounts, obtaining debit cards, making deposits and savings, applying for credit cards and overdrafts, consumer and mortgage loans, insurance, and pension services.
Dana Dima, Vice President of Retail & Private Banking at BCR, commented on the success of the pilot program and the expansion of services, saying, "The financial and technological inclusion pilot program confirmed a great need and desire for financial and digital education throughout the country. Now, the launch of the first electric mobile bank and the simultaneous launch of two BCR mobile units allows us to expand our effort to be present in as many local communities as possible."
The financial inclusion program is part of BCR's broader commitment to promote financial literacy and education, having already reached over 2.1 million Romanians through initiatives such as "Money School" and "Financial Coaching." By increasing access to financial services in rural and small urban communities, the program aims to foster economic development and stability in these areas.
(Photo: screenshot from BCR presentation video)
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The electric mobile bank, in collaboration with Vodafone Romania, Omniasig Vienna Insurance Group, BCR Asigurări de Viată VIG, and Medlife, will leverage technology to expand BCR's reach toward rural and small urban communities, providing a range of services including finance, business, and insurance. As part of BCR's financial inclusion program, the electric mobile bank, along with the existing mobile unit, will offer digital banking operations, insurance, and pension services, contributing to financial literacy and economic development in these regions.
