Western Union® Mobile App and Westernunion.com Pioneers Digital
Money Transfers in Lebanon in Alliance with BoB Finance
BEIRUT, September 5, 2019 – Western Union, a leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement, and BoB Finance, a leading financial services operator in Lebanon, have launched the Western Union mobile app and Westernunion.com, pioneering online consumer money transfers in Lebanon.
The alliance between the two companies offer customers 24/7 convenience with a few clicks. Customers also have the unique option to initiate the transaction on the app and pay in-person at any of BoB Finance locations.
Customers may choose how their families and loved ones receive their money, either through seamless payout in cash across hundreds of thousands of Western Union® retail Agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories, or into billions of bank accounts in nearly 100 countries.
“Western Union is able to connect the digital and physical worlds of money. We are rapidly evolving to serve customers money transfer needs with the channel of their preference, be it digital or cash, online or offline,” said Hatem Sleiman, Regional Vice President, Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Western Union.
“Our omni-channel strategy is inclusive, and we are positioned to build bridges that connect people who are digitally advanced, with those who are not yet online. With BoB Finance we share a deep sense of purpose that helps us deliver what customers really want and need,” added Sleiman.
Customers using either the app or web can fund their money transfers natively through direct transfers from their bank accounts.
“Digital transformation is an integral part of most corporate strategies; yet in the banking and finance industry, regulatory challenges are delaying this transformation. BoB Finance takes pride in being the first money transfer company in Lebanon to obtain the Central Bank’s authorization to provide Western Union® money transfer services via web and app, which we believe would be beneficial to all customers,” said Michael Abdelnoor, Managing Director, BoB Finance.
“This step will be applauded by customers as it will allow them to transfer money to their loved ones with a few clicks, conveniently and reliably. The verification process of the customer complies with Central Bank recommendations and our group’s internal policies. This enables us to run a check and screen the names of subscribers against local and international watch lists before allowing them to transact online,” added Abdelnoor.
Customers still have the choice to access retail agent locations across the country to send money transfers in person, reflecting the company’s commitment to providing choice and options to connect to families and friends around the world.
CUSTOMER GUIDANCE
In line with Central Bank of Lebanon regulations, prior to the first use of the online service and the app, customers are required to register on www.westernunion.com/lb, then verify in-person at one of BoB Finance locations. Acceptable ID’s include Lebanese National ID, passport, Syrian National ID, Civil Registry Extract, Palestinian refugee card or Army Cards.
After verification, customers will receive a notification confirming profile activation. Once the profile is active, customers can conveniently send Western Union® money transfers anytime.
In addition to the convenience and reliability of sending money any time, the website and app (available for iOS
and Android users) enable customers to track money transfers online or find many of Western Union’s global agent locations where the money can be collected.
Customers can learn more on www.westernunion.com/lb, at any of BoB Finance locations, by calling the number:
1262 or writing to [email protected].
1. Western Union also makes money from currency exchange. When choosing a money transmitter, carefully compare both transfer fees and exchange rates. Fees and foreign exchange rates may vary by brand, channel, and location based on several factors. Fees and rates subject to change without notice. Subject to applicable taxes (if any)
About Western Union
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement. Our omnichannel platform connects the digital and physical worlds and makes it possible for consumers and businesses to send and receive money and make payments with speed, ease, and reliability. As of June 30, 2019, our network included over 550,000 retail agent locations offering Western Union, Vigo or Orlandi Valuta branded services in more than 200 countries and territories, with the capability to send money to billions of accounts. Additionally, westernunion.com, our fastest growing channel in 2018, is available in more than 70 countries, plus additional territories, to move money around the world. With our global reach, Western Union moves money for better, connecting family, friends and businesses to enable financial inclusion and support economic growth. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com
About BoB Finance
BoB Finance s.a.l is Bank of Beirut subsidiary and one of the largest networks of financial services operating in Lebanon. With over 700 locations across the country, BoB Finance provides key services such as: Remittance, Bill Payments, Mobile Top-up, Ministry of Finance services, and Corporate Cash Collection. For more information, visit www.bob-finance.com