BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE – FNB Eswatini has intensified its fraud prevention and customer support measures in the wake of increasing scam incidents across the country.
Presenting the bank’s business highlights, Chief Executive Officer Thokozani Dlamini said FNB has been connected to the Eswatini Payment Switch since June 2025, a milestone in its digital transformation. He cautioned, however, that the growth of online transactions has also created opportunities for fraudsters, pointing to recent Facata scams that have unsettled the market.
“We remain committed to strengthening our cybersecurity frameworks, enhancing client awareness, and building digital trust to ensure our customers continue to transact with confidence,” Dlamini said.
The bank has launched wide-reaching awareness campaigns, including radio messages, regular social media updates, and upcoming articles in local newspapers. FNB is also working closely with the Bankers Association to promote consistent messaging on fraud prevention.
On the operational side, Dlamini revealed that card investigations are now being handled within Eswatini instead of South Africa. “We have trained our local team to conduct card investigations internally, which has significantly improved turnaround times for investigations and resolutions,” he said.
The CEO added that FNB has set up a specialised fraud response unit in its customer service department. Customers now have access to 24-hour fraud support and can temporarily block their cards through the FNB app if suspicious transactions occur. “We emphasise: block first, then call the bank,” Dlamini stressed.
To strengthen collective action, the bank collaborates with the police and other financial institutions through the Fraud Liaison Forum. According to Dlamini, one of the scams recently identified by FNB was quickly escalated to law enforcement, leading to arrests.
“Our monitoring models are being enhanced to detect unusual account activity faster, allowing us to safeguard our customers with greater precision,” he said. Dlamini further urged customers to play their part by staying alert and reporting suspicious behaviour immediately.
Looking at the broader economy, Dlamini said Eswatini’s outlook remains constructive, supported by public sector investment in infrastructure and private sector developments in construction, renewable energy, and mining. At the same time, he noted potential risks from new U.S. tariffs, shifting trade policies, and local challenges such as the impact of foot-and-mouth disease on agriculture.
“As we celebrate 30 years of FNB Eswatini, our story is one of milestones that have shaped who we are today,” Dlamini reflected.
(Courtesy Pic)
