Bank of Valletta (BOV) said it will be welcoming more customers into its branches following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions to improve branch experience.

BOV made the announcement on its website on Wednesday, as the Bank seeks to lower waiting time outside branches.

“With more customers visiting the branch network each day, opening its branch doors for more customers means less waiting time outside the branch and more direct interaction with branch staff,” the announcement read.

Additionally, BOV has introduced a dedicated Meet-and-Greet staff to “see to customer requirements” by offering direct guidance as well as “show how customers can use alternative channels and spend less time in queues and lobbies”.

BOV also announced that it is retaining cash services on Saturdays in over 30 branches, while also offering cash services till noon throughout the rest of the week, to cater for customers that perform their daily transactions physically, despite 95 per cent of transactions being made through digital channels.

“In addition to these enhancements, Bank of Valletta would like to remind customers that digital channels are a far more efficient alternative to personal visits to a branch,” BOV added, with alternatives including its internet and mobile banking services, as well as card transactions via ATMs.

Charmaine Borg, BOV Branch Manager in Victoria, Gozo, commented positively on these added services, with them “already leaving a positive effect on customers” with less queuing time and an overall “smoother service”.

BOV has recently come under fire for delayed physical customer service, leading to long queues outside numerous branches on a regular basis.