The RM Story @ Banks like HDFC Bank and other Banks

HDFC's Imperia Banking has declined so much in recent years and quite many of their RMs are not as professional and refined as before! The same may apply to other banks like Citibank India or another depending upon your personal experiences. There are always some such RMs at any bank. Once can request a change of RM if you are not satisfied with the banking services you are receiving.

I feel that now internet banking or phone banking is much better than dealing with the staff at the bank or RMs but still one is required to visit the Bank once in a while specially where senior citizens are concerned who prefer traditional banking over internet banking and that is when one hopes for a good interaction but often do not get the professional banking service you hoped for. Earlier banks would build relationships with their customers specially the neighbourhood ones but now they have become quite careless in their dealings and particularly their managers.

The HDFC Imperia Banking RMs are never available if you have a query, concern or complaint. The only time they will give you time is when they think they could brainwash you into trusting them blindly to do your investments without any questions so that they can meet their targets! Your preferences or what works for you does not matter to them! In fact, during such times, they adopt quite an aggressive stance and a negative attitude in their interactions and dealings with you when they realize that you may decline their advice.

Very few actually give you the right advice and are patient in waiting for you to decide how you want to spread your funds on investments products. But remember this is your money and only you have the right to decide how you want to invest it and where you want to invest it! You have to see what works for you and not what suits them.

Of course, good investments advice and suggestions are always useful, but you must take a second opinion too from someone you know or research thoroughly about it before going for it or there may be regrets later.

Relationship Managers are supposed to guide, introduce and advise you patiently about investments or assist you professionally and smoothly with bank related services but definitely not allowed to coerce you into investing against your comfort zone. So don't be apologetic if you don't want to invest in any of the suggested investment products and don't feel cornered if any RM tries to force you to invest in something you don't want to.

RMs are supposed to manage the relationship of valued customers with the bank in a dignified and professional manner so that they enjoy pleasant interactions with the bank. They are meant to enhance your banking experience with the bank and certainly not alienate you from the bank! You have a right to hassle free banking without the domination of certain RMs who do not demonstrate professionalism or customer sensitivity in dealing with their clients/customers. Remember that there is always an option to take your money elsewhere if a certain bank repeatedly gives you bad customer service and where your escalated complaints are never resolved.