Wide access to web and mobile communication in Armenia has provided a sound ground for augmenting the use and diversification of innovative technologies.

At the end of 2015, the number of mobile phone subscribers was 3,4m, while the number of subscribers with the access to internet was 2,1m, according to HSBC Armenia.

Armenia has recently reported significant revenue growth in Telecommunications and Information Technology sector: AMD 60,572,9m in 2017 compared to AMD 52,997,2m in 2016, showing high potential for further development.

In addition, electronic governance (e-governance) supported by the Government is also on the rise, offering easy access to information and data management through websites such as e-register.am, https://www.e-gov.am/en/, http://www.e-cadastre.am/en.

These trends show overall positive outlook on technology sector development in Armenia, including banking.

Mihran Muradyan, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Armenia commented HSBC, commented on Trust in Technology report, noting that consumers demonstrate trust and growing use of technology for managing their data and finance, especially in Eastern countries

“Technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in our everyday lives, transforming industries, including banking. We can see this trend spreading in Armenia as well,” Mihran Muradyan remarked.

According to him, to meet the ever evolving customer expectations, HSBC Armenia has always been looking for ways to bring the best technology solutions to customers.

“HSBC was the first to introduce ATM to local market, as well as full scale of Internet/Mobile Banking services and highest security standards. It has recently presented MasterCard contactless cards ensuring more convenience and higher personal data security for customers.

Trust in Technology Report says 80% of respondents believe that technology makes their lives easier but almost three quarters (70%) rely on dated passwords for access and security. The research represents the views of 12 000 people from 11 countries and territories.

According to HSBC report, there is a reliance on long established methods of money management with the most common traditional channels including:

1.    Online banking via a bank website (67%)
2.    ATMs (55%)
3.    Branch visits (41%)