Mashreq introduces to customers UAE's First Chatbot

‘Mashreq Bot’ is designed to simulate a conversation with customers using Artificial Intelligence on Digital Platforms

Dubai, UAE – 10th December 2016:  Mashreq, the UAE’s leading financial institution, has introduced its latest innovation – UAE’s First ‘Mashreq Bot’; an Artificial Intelligence agent – or chat-bot - programed to simulate an intelligent conversation with users. Customers can use the chat-bot to display Mashreq products and perform card-less cash transactions, low ticket local transfers and inquire about balance and recent transactions on an account. The Bot will shortly be integrated on all the banks digital platforms, making it easier to access account information from different locations using one password. 

Aref Al Ramli, Head of Digital Banking & Innovation commented: “We live a world where the digital accessibility is becoming a huge phenomenon and as we are moving more into the digital realm it’s important to evolve with the changing times. With the launch of the Bot, its chat based transfers and card-less cash, which is first of its kind in the UAE and the Region, this makes it easier for customers to perform transactions, requests and inquiries. The Mashreq Bot will also integrate its Snapp mobile application to leverage on the Bot or robot technology.”
 
Upon selecting the ‘Mashreq-Bot’ tab, which can be accessed through Facebook Messenger application, customers will be engaged in a conversation with the robot which will guide them through a series of security authentication steps using Mashreq’s online banking and a One Time Password to the registered mobile number. After activating and linking the Bot, customers will be able to check banking products and do various chat-based transactions in a simple and easy fashion anywhere and instantly.  

Al Ramli continued: “Mashreq’s long history of breakthroughs only motivates us to continue launching innovations that matter to make a meaningful difference to customers and improve customer experience.  In a world where time is more precious than ever, we are constantly innovating to provide quick, simple and smarter solutions. We will keep on enhancing our artificial intelligence capabilities and have a road map of products and services to be integrated with the Chatbot.”

This is the banks second attempt at using artificial intelligence to better the services after announcing in 2016 that the bank is integrating with Apple’s Siri for voice-powered payments. This adds to a host of recent additions that make banking with Mashreq a convenient and innovative experience for all its customers.