Kochi, November 05th, 2026: South Indian Bank has inaugurated its Smart City Kochi branch at Lulu IT Infra Build Pvt. Ltd., Smart City, Kakkanad, further strengthening its presence in Kochi's growing business and technology ecosystem. The occasion also marked the unveiling of SONA, the Bank's AI-powered digital assistant, as part of its ongoing efforts to integrate advanced technology into customer-facing banking services.

The branch was inaugurated by V. K. Mathews, Founder and Executive Chairman of IBS Software. Dr. Tom M. Joseph, Director-New initiatives, Jain (Deemed-to-be University) inaugurated the ATM facility, while Abhilash Valiyavalappil, Director and CEO, Lulu IT Parks, Kochi, unveiled SONA. The locker facility was inaugurated by Rashid Ullampilly, Chairperson, Thrikkakara Municipality. Susanth Kurunthil, CEO, Infoparks and Cyberpark Kerala and Mahesh Muralidhar Pai, Managing Director and CEO, South Indian Bank, were present at the ceremony.

Developed as an agentic AI assistant, SONA features a digital human avatar displayed on a kiosk, enabling customers to interact with the Bank through natural, real-time multilingual conversations. It can respond to queries on loans, NRI services, accounts and cards, provide guidance on relevant banking products and help visitors navigate their banking needs. By making information and assistance more readily accessible, SONA aims to simplify the initial stages of customer interaction at branches.

SONA is designed to cater to a diverse range of customers, including senior citizens, those less familiar with digital banking and walk-in visitors.  Through this initiative, South Indian Bank aims to bring together the efficiency of intelligent automation and the accessibility of digital engagement with the trust and personal attention associated with relationship banking.