News: Suncorp says clients rushing in

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Suncorp Group Limited (ASX:SUN) says its client base has jumped 40 per cent over the last two years.



The diversified insurer’s NSW executive manager, Danny Robinson says customers have told the company they want an alternative to traditional banking options.



It is scheduled to open its flagship branch on George Street in Sydney today, bringing its total number of branches in the city to 25.



It opened a branch in Haymarket on the first day of the Chinese New Year – where all staff speak Cantonese or Mandarin.



The branch expansions come after Suncorp reported a slump in full year net profit last year of 42 per cent, weighed down by claims and re-insurance costs arising from natural disasters.



Suncorp reported a net profit of $453 million in the 2011 financial year.