Access Bank, Irish firm improve ATM, e- banking channels

Access Bank Plc has collaborated with CR2, an Ireland-based self-service banking software provider, to modernise its Automated Teller Machines, Internet and mobile banking channels. CR2, in a statement, announced that the Nigerian lender had selected BankWorld, its omnichannel suite, to manage its self-service channels including ATMs, Internet and mobile banking platforms. The strategic alliance was inked at Access Bank’s London headquarters, CR2 said in the statement. Access Bank, which received its first banking licence in 1988, currently has five million retail customers and over 1,500 ATMs. The statement read, “Access Bank understands the importance of the self-service channels in supporting Nigeria’s retail banking growth. As such, they sought a solution which would allow them to launch the right product, in the right place, at the right time which can only be achieved through a true omnichannel approach. “By selecting BankWorld and holding CR2’s self- service platform at the core of its strategy, Access Bank now has the tools to stay competitive and highly flexible to market changes as well as personalising each interaction with its customers at every touch point.” It added, “With CR2, Access Bank will be empowered to reduce its operational costs by managing all channels from a single point while also having the opportunity to generate revenue through the launch of targeted and personalised services.” The Ireland-based firm said the development would enhance Access Bank’s capacity to offer a range of innovative and convenient payment facilities new to the Nigerian market. The statement quoted the Group Managing Director, Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, as saying, “We aim to become the leading bank in Nigeria and provide new services that will change the way people bank. “Having a best of breed self-service offering, providing convenient banking and managing all our client’s relationship from a single place are at the heart of our strategy and we believe that BankWorld will help us to achieve our vision.” The Chief Executive Officer, CR2, Franky Van Damme, said “I welcome Access Bank as a new client of CR2 in Nigeria. “We believe that CR2 can help Access Bank in offering their customers innovative and unique services across their entire electronic self-service network. We are committed to innovation and look forward to working with Access Bank to deliver cutting-edge banking and enhanced customer experiences.” According to Van Damme, CR2 is enhancing its experience in the Nigerian financial market and that the latest move follows its strategic alliance with Global InfoSwift, its local partner in Nigeria. The General Manager, Global InfoSwift, Mr. Solomon Edun, was quoted as saying, “Global InfoSwift has joined forces with CR2 to bring the latest banking technologies to the Nigerian market and make banking easy and accessible to all. “This alliance and the agreement with Access Bank is a first step towards the banking revolution that Nigeria will go through. We are very proud to take part in Access Bank’s journey and help them achieve their vision using cutting edge technologies.”