HSBC launches mobile business banking service for SMEs
Bank account comes with plenty of mobile-friendly features
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HSBC has launched a new banking service designed to help small business owners tackle all of theirfinancial tasksin one handy place.
The UK-centric business account, dubbed HSBC Kinetic, has been engineered to provide a ‘simpler, faster and more intuitive’ experience according to the bank. It used feedback from over 3,000 small business owners to help shape the final product, which can be integrated with accounting software such as such asXero,QuickBooksandSage.
HSBC Kinetic software will be available for iOS from theAppleApp Store and Android viaGoogle Play. Once downloaded, business owners can apply for an account through the app. If the applicant is successful there will be a ‘vertical’ debit card option, while the app can be used to take care of direct debits, standing orders and forthcoming payments along with other small businessfinance managementtasks.
The business-focused account and app combination has also been tailored to allow users to take control of their finances thanks to its spend categorization, data insights andcash flowtools. Account holders will also have access to a credit card option, same day overdrafts and a savings account, which can also be applied for in-app.
HSBC Kinetic
HSBC carried out research when developing the new account which revealed that less than a third (31%) of UK SMEs feel confident about being able to stay on top of their finances.
The report also found many business owners fairly happy with the way they’d been managing their finances during the pandemic. However, its findings also revealed that SME’s have several top priorities for the next six months. Continuing to remain in business was perhaps the most critical point raised, with 50% highlighting it was an issue of concern.
A further 40% said they were intent on increasing their customer based, while 39% revealed they were looking at building new revenue streams. All agreed that to do this they would be left with less time to spend on financial administration includingaccountsandtax filingactivities. As a result of the research, HSBC’s Kinetic will allow account holders to easily align their finances withHMRC tax codingand offer monthly breakdowns of cash flow.
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It’ll also be able to offer helpful hints on spending patterns, backing everything up with in-app customer service. The HSBC Kinetic app integrates with popular small businessfinance softwaretoo, including accounting tools from the likes ofXero,QuickBooksandSage. HSBC says that following the early access period customers will have a fee free period of 18 months. After that a monthly fee of £6.50 will apply.
Peter McIntyre, Head of Small Business Banking, HSBC UK, said: “Faced with a constantly evolving market environment, today’s small businesses need a bank that is agile and flexible – that equips them with real-time, easy to understand banking data to help them make quick decisions and pivot their operations.
HSBC Kinetic combines our extensive banking expertise and infrastructure with an innovative approach to offer the best possible business banking experience for customers at a very competitive price point.”
Rob Clymo has been a tech journalist for more years than he can actually remember, having started out in the wacky world of print magazines before discovering the power of the internet. Since he’s been all-digital he has run the Innovation channel during a few years at Microsoft as well as turning out regular news, reviews, features and other content for the likes of TechRadar, TechRadar Pro, Tom’s Guide, Fit&Well, Gizmodo, Shortlist, Automotive Interiors World, Automotive Testing Technology International, Future of Transportation and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International. In the rare moments he’s not working he’s usually out and about on one of numerous e-bikes in his collection.
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