The iconic 75,000sqm Mall of the North - which is fast nearing completion - will feature the best that South African banking has to offer when it opens in early 2011.

Established leading banking institutions such as Standard Bank, Absa, Capitec, FNB and Nedbank will take up space at the mall, offering an impressive host of ATMs and self-service terminals.

The Mall of the North is owned and developed by JSE-listed company Resilient Property Income Fund, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment and Moolman Group.

“In line with the Mall of the North’s superb design and tenant mix, each bank has committed to a well-designed branch that meets the needs of banking clients in the Polokwane area. Given that every branch is brand new, with the latest interior designs, this promises a welcome and convenient experience for all,” says Patrick Flanagan of Flanagan & Gerard.

The banks will be located on the lower level of the mall, and have been strategically positioned as both safety and convenience factors have been taken into consideration.

“The new Standard Bank at Mall of the North will offer a full spectrum of banking services, including all electronic banking channels,” says Francois Nel, Provincial Director for Standard Bank.

“Occupying two levels, the brand new branch will offer customers a superb banking experience in the comfort of a well-designed interior. With a staff complement of some 30 bankers and administration staff, customers' banking needs will be well taken care of," adds Nel.

The First National Bank (FNB) branch also promises to deliver exceptional banking services to customers.

FNB Provincial Director, Happy Ralenala says, “Our Mall of the North branch will offer comprehensive banking services, including cash and cheque deposits, 24-hours a day to its customers. This branch will be based on our ‘One and Done’ model, which is set to eliminate queues and to segment the bank into specialized service-related zones. While we have always had tellers dedicated to specialized services, our Mall of the North branch will take specialization to levels that will have a dramatically beneficial impact on customer satisfaction.”

The Mall of the North FNB branch will also feature a new generation of ATMs with automated deposit technology. The new devices - known as intelligent deposit taking ATMs - are equipped with image technology capable of scanning cheques and cash. The cash notes are authenticated, counted and credited immediately into FNB accounts.

The various banking facilities will also provide additional convenience and essential banking services for the more than 170 new retail outlets expected to open in the first quarter of 2011 at the mall.