Bank Leumi CEO Hanan Friedman Gathers User Feedback on X and Announces Crypto Trading
Bank Leumi CEO Hanan Friedman engaged with users on X to gather feedback, announcing upcoming crypto trading services and responding to customer complaints about fees and service.
Hanan Friedman, CEO of Bank Leumi, has surprised followers by directly addressing them on the social network X to request feedback on the bank's services. In less than a day, the tweet gathered over 800 responses, touching on digital glitches, trading improvements, account fees, and crypto services.
Expanding Crypto and Capital Markets
Among the various requests, a user pointed out that 1.7 million Israeli citizens hold crypto, yet dealing with incoming crypto funds remains cumbersome. Friedman responded by announcing that Leumi will soon become the first bank in Israel to offer cryptocurrency trading services via the Leumi Trade app, allowing clients to buy, hold, and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.
We are trying to improve all the time, including for the younger generation, by exploring extended trading hours and better US market data access.
Addressing Fees and Customer Service
Other commenters complained about long phone waiting times and high bank fees, with some demanding the complete removal of checking account fees for clients with steady positive balances. While Friedman addressed customer service delays and apologized for onboarding friction, he chose not to respond directly to requests for a total waiver of account management fees.
The Competitive Pressure of Fintech
Analyst Avishay Ovadia commented on the interaction, noting that Leumi's proactive social media outreach reflects the approaching competitive threat of fintech giants like Revolut seeking entry into the Israeli market. Friedman welcomed the notion, stating that Leumi loves competition because it sharpens and improves the banking sector.