Doha: Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has released a statement declaring its issuance of services for customers with disabilities and the elderly, in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy and the ESG & Sustainability Strategy for the Financial Sector on Enhancing Financial Inclusion.
The targeted customer groups are the customers with disabilities who are able to make their own decisions, in addition to the elderly.
These services will aid in facilitating access for customers from the targeted groups in all bank branches and ATM locations for banking services by providing ramps, electronic doors, and tactile floor signals.
A portion of the service staff will be trained on the basics of sign language as a virtual interpreter could be provided when in need.
15% of ATMs will be equipped with Braille and audio headsets as a clear sign will be visible on ATM machines designated for each type of disability.
Additionally, the services will see to it that customers with disabilities and the elderly are provided with guidance to the nearest supportive banking services (branches and/or ATMs), and priority will be given to them when conducting transactions in the bank, ensuring privacy.
Banks are given a period of five months to comply with these requirements.
The prominent services can be summed up in these following points:
1 - Training bank staff to recognize and respond to financial exploitation of the elderly.
2- Meeting with elderly clients to confirm agreed arrangements and ensure they understand the agent's legal authority.
3- Encourage the elderly to seek independent legal and financial advice before granting power of attorney.
4- Informing the elderly clients of all actions the agent may take under the power of attorney.
