6 years on, UBA’s Leo offers new features for enhanced digital banking

Onome Amuge

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has pledged to further advance the adoption of digital banking in Nigeria as it marks  the sixth anniversary of its AI-powered chatbot, Leo, with the launch of several new and exciting offerings. 

UBA’s Leo chatbot is an AI-powered innovation that provides users with access to a variety of financial services through a single platform. Since its launch in 2018, Leo has become a household name, providing millions of users with a seamless digital banking experience.In addition, Leo has provided UBA with valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. 

Interestingly, UBA was the first financial institution in Africa to introduce a digital solution that made it easier for customers to conduct transactions at a time when it was crucial for banks to keep up with changing customer needs and demands. With the introduction of Leo, UBA set a new standard for banking, putting the customer at the center of everything it does. 

Since its launch, Leo has made a significant impact on the financial landscape in Africa. The chatbot has helped millions of people to access financial services for the first time, leading to increased financial inclusion. 

With the recent investment in new technology, UBA is set to expand Leo’s reach and capabilities 

even further, setting it apart from its competitors. By offering services on Instagram and Google Business, UBA is making it easier for customers to access banking services on the platforms they already use, further enhancing the customer experience.

Olukayode Olubiyi, head of digital banking at UBA, recently claimed that the bank’s investment in Leo is one of its biggest investments in cutting-edge technology. He stated that customers agree that Leo is changing the face of banking in Africa, making it easier and more convenient for people to access financial services. 

““Six years later, and with over seven million customers, UBA’s Leo, has without a doubt, remained unequalled as the smartest Banking Chatbot in Nigeria because of its speed and quick learning intelligence and has continued to evolve with so much more to offer its constantly growing customer base,” he said. 

According to Olubiyi, while other financial institutions are still exploring the possibilities of artificial intelligence, UBA has already achieved significant success with Leo. The chatbot, he noted, has won several awards, and its popularity among customers is a testament to its effectiveness.

The head of digital banking further commented on the achievements of Leo over the last six years. He noted that the chatbot has enhanced the digital customer experience by being available 24/7 and answering common financial queries. 

Olubiyi also highlighted that the chatbot is available in 20 African countries and has won over 17 prestigious awards, which is a testament to its effectiveness and popularity,demonstrating UBA’s commitment to providing a seamless customer experience across the continent. 

In light of the above, UBA has made it a priority to continually update and improve Leo, Olubiyi said. This includes regular upgrades that focus on new features and improvements to enhance the chatbot’s capabilities. He stressed that these updates are specifically tailored to the needs of UBA customers, ensuring that the chatbot remains relevant and useful.