Paris-based FI BNP Paribas has announced the launch of Hello bank, a 100 percent digital, mobile bank that caters to smartphone- and tablet-owning individuals. The bank is set to launch in four major markets — first, Belgium and Germany (May launch), then France (June) and Italy (October).

According to a BNP Paribas press release, the new bank, which is Europe's purely digital FI, is structured along four values:

• Simple — a native mobile bank designed to be as clear and intuitive as the best digital apps.
• Smart — a free package including a current account and a debit card, with a .25 percent interest rate on the account.
• Human — a customer service team available during extended hours 6 days a week.
• Safe — technology that guarantees security and ensures high-level performance with backing by the BNP Paribas Group.

Hello bank will leverage the global ATM network of its parent bank, BNP Paribas, for one of the few transactions that cannot be digitized — cash withdrawals.

"Our customers are looking for more convenience, speed and simplicity in every walk of life.  We want to align our service offering with this in-depth change. Hello bank! is a new, mobile, bank which has been developed to meet those expectations," said Peter Vandekerckhove, who is in charge of retail and private banking Belgium.

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