First National Bank amps up retail delivery with advanced fintech

First National Bank, a subsidiary of F.N.B. Corp., is taking an innovative approach to its retail delivery strategy with a series of technology-based initiatives designed to integrate physical and e-delivery channels for a more seamless banking experience, the FI said in a press release

Initiatives to be rolled out in the first half of 2016 include a fleet of new intelligent teller machines, an upgraded mobile banking platform and a new product branding initiative that incorporates digital interactions in FNB branch locations and at FNB's website, fnb-online.com.

"The most successful customer experience is one in which traditional and digital channels align to strengthen and enhance each other," F.N.B. Corp. and FNB Bank President and CEO Vincent J. Delie Jr. said in a statement. "[W]e are bringing the traditional branch platform together with the latest technology so our customers receive a consistently exceptional experience whether they choose to bank in the branch, online or via mobile. This evolving clicks to bricks strategy will be a driving force in our retail delivery channel moving forward."

Initiatives in the first phase of the FI's "clicks-to-bricks" strategy will include:

A new service channel — This spring, FNB will add a fleet of 16 intelligent teller machines to its network of more than 400 ATMs, creating an alternative service channel for customers across central Pennsylvania.

Via video chat, a team of specialized tellers will be able to assist customers with a large majority of their retail banking transactions outside of traditional branch hours. The machines also will feature enhanced ATM capabilities such as remote deposit and the option to cash checks down to the penny.

Upgraded mobile capabilities — The mobile banking FNB Direct app will now provide instant access to account balances, the ability to make P2P payments within the mobile app and customized, actionable alerts for current account activity.

The updated app also is more fully integrated with FNB online banking, the release said. Later this year, FNB will roll out additional mobile enhancements that permit customers to turn debit cards on and off, set spending limits and set up geofencing.

An enhanced in-branch experience — FNB will equip branches with touch screen kiosks where customers can compare accounts side-by-side or conduct a self-guided review to determine the best FNB checking account for their needs. Kiosks will be unveiled in central Pennsylvania in February, and later rolled out to additional FNB markets.

FNB also will launch a new banking center in State College, Pennsylvania in the spring. The facility was designed in collaboration with the Penn State Smeal College of Business, and employs a modern layout, innovative technology and a specially skilled team to provide a more consultative financial experience, the FI said.