Credit unions in Dominica have been advised to offer superior service through technology.
The advice has come from the outgoing President of the Dominica Co-operative Society’s League (DCSL) Dexter Ducreay.
He was addressing the 59th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the DCSL which was held onn Saturday 25th April 2015.
“Technology must be embraced to offer superior experiences at the ATM’s, branch and head office locations,” he said. “The utilization of member mobile devices as a platform to enhance member experiences cannot be underestimated.”
Ducreay made reference to the National Cooperative Credit Union (NCCU) which currently offers a “CuCall” service which is accessed through land lines or mobile devices. He said that very soon online UNION is coming to the credit unions, but pointed out that there is still room for improvements.
“More must still be done and expanded upon at all credit unions,” he remarked.
Another reference was made, this time in the Caribbean island of Jamaica.
He said the Jamaica Cooperative Credit Union League, through its subsidiary company, Centralized Strategic Services, launched a mobile app, Mobile Wallet, late last year and this is a prime example of successful utilization of the digital platform.
“The convenience of accessing your financial data and transacting your business on the go, versus visiting a brick-and-mortar location, is transforming the financial sector in Jamaica,” Ducreay noted.
“These are lessons our movement must learn from and emulate,” he stated.
Meanwhile the outgoing President said the progressive spirit of development within the movement must now look to capitalize on the amalgamation process.
“Therefore, it is imperative that they must completely re-think the institution’s branch networks by examining their format, role, technology and services offered to drive continued growth and enhance member experience,” he stated.
“The community branches are a vital tool in developing and sustaining member relationships,” he continued and said that while this is the case, credit unions must “continue to examine” whether they have the right amount of branches in the right locations within the community.
“In addition, they need to critically assess whether the physical and functional layout within these branches are the best fit that delivers the service and enhances the members experience,” he advised.
Ducreay stated, that as they move into becoming more digitally friendly, thecredit union branches must evolve to offer members an experience that rivals other financial institutions while remaining true to its core values of “not for profit but for service.”
The AGM’s theme is: Reinforcing the Cooperate Principles.
well said Mr Dcreay….it is about time