On the occasion of “International Savings Day” and as part of the activities of financial inclusion, Banque Misr organized a cycling marathon on Friday, 3rd October to raise awareness on the importance of savings for the individual and the community and to introduce the concept of financial inclusion. The marathon began in front of the 6th October War Panorama overlooking Salah Salem road in Nasr City, all the way to Korba neighborhood in Heliopolis and back. More than 400 participants of all social segments took part in the marathon, which was also attended by students from Sinai University. The selection of Banque Misr for organizing the marathon came in line with its role in endorsing sports and spreading a culture of bike-riding among community members. It also comes in light of the Bank’s support of “Your Bike, Your Health” initiative, which is one of the most important initiatives launched by the state in an attempt to improve health and fitness; and to introduce the bicycle as a safe means of transport in the midst of the current COVID-19 crisis, thus contributing to social distancing and improving public health.
The event included shedding light on various topics and a speech was given by Dr. Suzan Hamdy – Head of Financial Inclusion and Business Development at Banque Misr – with the participation of the Egyptian Banking System Model, which is being sponsored by Banque Misr for the seventh consecutive year and is available in various schools and universities. Educational materials were distributed to raise awareness on financial inclusion, spread financial awareness and circulate information on the importance of savings for the individual and the community. This is since savings are considered a source of reassurance and security, while also empowering individuals to face challenges and emergencies. Moreover, investing in savings greatly serves the national economy, increases savings and enables new economic opportunities. Banque Misr also issued BM Wallet and Meeza e-cards for the participants; and distributed in-kind gifts.
Banque Misr participated in the International Financial Inclusion Week and International Savings Day under the patronage of the Central Bank of Egypt, owing to its keenness on supporting state efforts towards financial inclusion and in line with the vision of Egypt 2030 for achieving sustainable development. This is in addition to its firm belief in the importance of attaining financial inclusion, which aims to enable access of all segments of society to financial products and services that fulfil their various needs; including savings accounts, current accounts, payment and transfer services, insurance, financing and credit. Banque Misr offered various benefits and free offers to serve all customers - especially youths, being the largest segment of society - throughout the event, whose activities continued from 15th to 31st October. Reaching all segments of society and including them in the formal economy – specifically youth and women – is considered one of the most important objectives of Banque Misr’s financial inclusion and business development sector.
Banque Misr provided a multitude of financial products and services, offering benefits and free promotions as part of International Financial Inclusion Week; such as opening accounts for new customers without administrative fees and without a minimum deposit, issuing “Meeza” debit card and the classic debit card on a complimentary basis. Customers under 16 years of age were exempt from the administration fees of issuing the prepaid TEENS card, which carries numerous offers and discounts throughout the campaign. This is in addition to the presence of the Bank’s representatives at branches in some 560 locations; including but not limited to universities, schools, sports clubs, youth centers, shopping malls and other venues throughout the event to provide products and services and open banking accounts. Worth noting is that Banque Misr has updated its website with a page on financial education, which enables customers to inform themselves on financial inclusion, financial products and services in a seamless and simple manner.
