ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Centura Banks Inc. (NYSE: CBC),
an established leader in online and interactive delivery channels, today
announced it is developing a comprehensive suite of products and services on
the Internet, with rollout expected to begin in the 3rd quarter. Designed to
provide customers full account access and the ability to conduct transactions
24 hours a day, seven days a week from any PC with Internet access, Centura's
suite of Internet products and services will include banking, investment and
insurance solutions.
Centura's direct Internet channel, http://www.CenturaHighway.com , becomes the
newest connection point on Centura Highway, the bank's multifaceted customer
access system that includes telephone banking, an extensive ATM network,
PC banking and online bill payment. Visitors can also access Centura Highway
through Centura's main Web site, http://www.Centura.com , by clicking on the Centura
Highway link.
By entering a secure, password-protected "virtual storefront" on
CenturaHighway.com, customers will be able to complete a variety of insurance,
investment and banking transactions, including: opening new accounts,
selecting and purchasing insurance products, paying bills, applying for credit
cards, reviewing account statements, applying for a mortgage and other types
of loans, and making transfers between accounts, among numerous other
transactions. In addition, customers will have access to financial and
non-financial news and information, financial calculators and links to other
valuable Web sites.
One hallmark of Centura's use of the Internet channel that will
differentiate it from many other banks is its customer-focused, needs-based
approach to selling. Centura will use its rich database of customer knowledge
to understand and most efficiently deliver the financial services customers
need -- when they need them -- helping customers achieve their financial and
lifestyle objectives in ways that are also profitable for Centura.
"Centura for years has provided our customers the most convenient access
to our products and services through advanced technology," said Cecil W.
Sewell, Centura's chairman and chief executive officer. "Bringing Centura's
comprehensive suite of financial services to our customers on the Internet
provides them the highest possible level of access and delivers to them even
more value, strengthening existing relationships and paving the way for new
ones.
"In addition, our approach will be fiscally responsible, leveraging our
existing technology infrastructure and vendor relationships to deliver added
value to our shareholders," Sewell added. "We are committed to letting
service, quality and value lead our development -- and continued enhancement
-- of our Internet financial services offerings."
Centura established itself as an innovative leader among banks in
interactive delivery channels with the introduction of the Centura Highway
telephone banking center in 1994. In 1995, Centura became the first North
Carolina bank -- and one of the first banks in the nation -- to introduce
PC-based home banking and has already achieved a 5.37% penetration of its
consumer households. When fully implemented early next year, Centura's
Internet access channel will further strengthen its position as a leader in
state-of-the-art financial solutions.
Introduction of Centura's new Internet capabilities will take place in a
phased approach and will include a continuous process of development and
enhancement. During the third quarter, Centura will begin to enhance the
design and functionality of its Web site. The next phase, expected to be
implemented in the fourth quarter, will include the introduction of investment
and insurance services. Rounding out the Internet service offerings will be
the introduction of Centura's Web banking, expected in the first quarter of
next year.
About Centura
With assets of $8.8 billion, Centura Banks Inc. provides a complete line
of banking, investment, insurance, leasing and trust services to individuals
and businesses in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Centura's
broad range of financial solutions are provided through 225 full-service
financial offices and Centura Highway, the bank's multifaceted customer access
system that includes telephone banking, an extensive ATM network, PC banking,
online bill payment and CenturyHighway.com , the bank's suite of Internet
products and services. Additional information may be found on Centura's main
Web site at http://www.Centura.com .
SOURCE Centura Banks Inc.
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.centura.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/870954.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 870954
CONTACT:
B. Thomas Rogers, Jr., Chief Strategic
Development Officer of Centura Banks Inc., 252-454-4003, or
trogers@centura.com
|
