Oschadbank Expands Financial Inclusion Initiative for Remote Communities: Mobile Banking Unit to Operate in Zakarpattia

Oschadbank is scaling up its financial inclusion initiative by rolling out a mobile banking unit in Zakarpattia Oblast. From now on, remote communities will enjoy banking services available directly within their communities.

Zakarpattia was selected for the initiative’s expansion due to its low urbanization level — the network of bricks-and-mortar branches in the region is typically limited. The rugged terrain and significant distances between communities make the mobile bank a necessary component of financial inclusion. Leveraging the successful experience of Bukovyna, Oschadbank is bringing services to areas where residents have the greatest difficulty reaching a brick-and-mortar branch.

Earlier, such mobile banking units were used primarily in frontline regions to restore access to financial services. Nowadays, this experience is being transformed into a comprehensive solution to expand financial inclusion across the country.

“We have already proven the effectiveness of mobile banking units in frontline regions and while launching the pilot in Bukovyna. Now we are scaling up this format to provide access to banking services in communities where they are physically unavailable or limited. Our goal is to ensure that instead of residents traveling dozens of kilometers to a bank, the bank brings its services to them. Zakarpattia, where 24 branches are currently operating, is the logical next step in expanding this model, as the mobile format will significantly enhance the existing network and reach the most remote areas of the region,” noted Anton Tiutiun, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Oschadbank, in charge of Retail Business.

The mobile bank is housed in an armored vehicle and features an autonomous power supply and satellite communication. This allows transactions to be performed even at locations with unreliable power grids or mobile coverage.

A standard range of banking services will be offered here: customers will be able to open an account, set up a deposit, reissue a payment card, receive social benefits or a pension, make money transfers, and pay for utilities and other services. The “Oschadbank on Wheels” schedule will be drawn up jointly with local authorities to ensure that visits are as convenient as possible for residents and align with the operating hours of social institutions in the communities.

The project is being implemented as part of Oschadbank’s inclusive program “My Accessibility.” Currently, over 730 of its branches meet government standards for physical accessibility. Thirty-three inclusive branches, established under Oschadbank’s project, operate with enhanced accessibility standards.