Banking has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. This transformation is evident every second, making it imperative for industry players to be responsive, agile, and innovative. To thrive in this dynamic landscape, banks must adapt and evolve with their customers' expectations.

At Absa, we recognize the winds of change and the need to not just keep up but to lead.

The fundamental task of a business, according to one of the greatest minds in Marketing, Peter Drucker, is to create and keep a customer.

This underscores the significance of building a reputation that attracts customers to the brand. For us at Absa, customer experience is the cornerstone of this reputation. We pledge not only to provide banking services but to stand by our customers, walking with them on their financial journey. Our brand promise of "Empowering Africa's tomorrow together" signifies our commitment to offering a unique experience that embodies confidence and optimism.

The essence of a customer-centric approach is simple yet profound: we place the customer at the core of all our operations. We understand that our customers are the lifeblood of our business, the reason for our existence. Thus, every action we take is geared towards their satisfaction, happiness, and trust of our customers. While technology has its role, we acknowledge that it has limits. Unlike machines, as humans we can empathize with our customers, put ourselves in their shoes to better understand their needs and thereby strife to offer superior service every time.

The experiences we craft for our customers are pivotal in determining their loyalty. The functionality and quality of our solutions are the yardsticks by which our customers gauge our performance.

In today's world, customers seek more than just products or services; they yearn for trust. Trust is the culmination of all our efforts, influencing the perceptions of our stakeholders and shaping their attitudes towards our Institution. Building this trust requires aligning our values with our everyday decisions and actions.

It is the best of times and the worst of times, however; a diligent and systematic strategy of empathising with the customer, will tramp anything and enhance our contribution to the eco-system and the overall economic transformation.

As we celebrate International Customer Service Week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers. Your trust and support fuel our journey. We are here to serve you, and we cherish the privilege of doing so. Together, we embrace the future with confidence and optimism, empowered by the strength of strategic customer experience.