Oschadbank is launching a pilot project of financial inclusion for communities lacking bank branches

Oschadbank is launching a pilot project to expand financial inclusion, within which mobile banking branches will provide financial services to residents of remote communities without a stationary banking infrastructure. The Chernivtsi region became the first region where this format of banking services begins.

In Bukovyna, Oschadbank launches a mobile branch—specially equipped «bank on wheels». This is the first mobile unit of Oschad, which will work in the west of the country.

Previously, mobile branches of Oschadbank operated mainly in front-line regions, where banking infrastructure was destroyed or limited due to the war. Now the bank is applying this experience to expand access to financial services in other regions as well.

The Chernivtsi region was chosen for the pilot project due to a significant share of remote and mountainous settlements, where it is far and difficult for people to get to the bank branch. The mobile service format will help ensure the regular presence of banking services where they are lacking today.

The routes of the mobile branch in the pilot project will be formed taking into account the needs of 52 territorial communities of the region in cooperation with local authorities. This will make it possible to adjust the work schedule to the requests of residents and ensure regular banking services.

 “A mobile branch is a full-fledged autonomous office. We are adapting our experience in front-line regions to expand access to banking services in communities where there is currently no fixed banking infrastructure. Together with the communities, we will analyze the demand for mobile banking services in order to meet the needs of our customers as much as possible,” Anton Tiutiun, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Oschadbank, noted.

The “branch on wheels” is equipped with satellite communication and autonomous power supply. It has armored protection. This allows you to work autonomously anywhere. Here you can open an account, make a deposit, reissue a payment card, receive social benefits or a pension, make money transfers, pay for utilities and other services.

The launch of the project takes place within the inclusive program of Oschadbank ‘My Accessibility.” Currently, more than 730 of its institutions meet state standards of physical accessibility, and 33 inclusive branches, created according to Oschadbank's own project, work according to higher standards of accessibilty.