HFB Empowers Agent Bankers to Boost Financial Inclusion

Housing Finance Bank (HFB) recently hosted an Agent Banking Forum in Kampala, gathering more than 150 agent bankers. The event underscored HFB’s dedication to bolstering its agent network through collaborative knowledge exchange and practical business support.

The forum provided a platform for agents and bank officials to discuss the dynamic agent banking landscape, identify opportunities, and address sector challenges. Agents were equipped with enhanced knowledge and tools to improve their operations, service delivery, and customer outreach.

A significant focus was placed on the Super Agent Model, designed to strengthen agent operations and ensure liquidity through a nationwide network. This model aims to maintain agent functionality and meet customer demands without interruption.

Ronald Namawa, Manager Agent Banking at HFB, emphasized the model’s role in building a robust network. “By working together with our agents and super agents, we are strengthening our network, improving service reliability, and bringing banking services even closer to the communities we serve,” he stated.

The forum also covered responsible banking, with sessions on data protection and customer privacy, aligning with Uganda’s data protection laws. Stanislaus Ssendagire, HFB’s Data Protection Officer, urged agents to prioritize safeguarding customer information and adhere to compliance requirements, including online registration with the Personal Data Protection Office.

To mitigate daily business risks, HFB introduced customized insurance solutions to protect agents against threats like theft. Furthermore, agents were educated on HFB’s comprehensive financial offerings, including microfinance, mortgages, and consumer banking, highlighting how the agent network extends financial services beyond traditional bank branches.

Richard Bob Sema, Manager Incremental Housing Loans at HFB, noted the network’s reach, stating, “Through the Agent Banking network, these solutions continue to reach more customers, making banking services more accessible and convenient across communities.”

The forum facilitated valuable dialogue, allowing agents to share experiences and insights. This engagement reinforced HFB’s commitment to agent success through competitive commissions, ongoing training, and supportive business solutions.

The HFB Agent Banking Forum signifies the bank’s ongoing commitment to cultivating an informed, resilient, and empowered agent network capable of delivering secure and accessible financial services, thereby promoting financial inclusion throughout Uganda. https://nilepost.co.ug/news/365128/hfb-equips-agent-bankers-with-skills-and-solutions-to-strengthen-financial-inclusion-at-the-hfb-agent-banking-forum