Bank of East Asia gives branches a makeover to attract younger clients

Bank of East Asia, Hong Kong's third-biggest lender, is revamping the displays at all its branches to attract more young customers.

Adrian Li Man-kiu, the bank's deputy chief executive, unveiled a plan yesterday to equip its 88 retail branches with brand displays sporting a new look based on a band of five coloured rays of light over the next two months. It will be the lender's first revamp in 10 years.

"At present, about 80 per cent of all transactions are not conducted through our branch network, as most people use ATMs, telephones or the internet to deal with their accounts," Li said.

"But branches are still playing an important role in maintaining human contact, serving new clients who want to open accounts and allowing our staff to give detailed explanations to customers who want to buy insurance or investment products."

Li said the bank would continue to improve its retail network, closing smaller branches and opening bigger ones in better locations.

"We have one of the largest branch networks in Hong Kong," he said. "However, the displays are not as attractive as other banks. We hope the revamp will make a difference."