Access Credit Union (ACU) is looking to enhance the banking experience for those looking to embrace new technologies. The institution plans to open a new 'innovation centre' in Morden, late this year or early in 2018.
    
President and Chief Executive Officer of ACU, Larry Davey, says the aim is to test out new technology for members, with members able to utilize those technologies at the centre, and overall, they hope to streamline new processes

File photo of ACU President and CEO, Larry Daveyfor members.  He says the innovation centre will make the experience much nicer for any new member going forward.

The planned 1,200 square foot innovation centre will be located near Morden's Boston Pizza. Davey said they wanted a location close to corporate office, and this provides that. The centre will likely have at least a drive-thru ATM, if not a drive-thru and a walk-up ATM, said Davey. 

"We're looking at video conferencing capabilities within that location. We're also looking at staff having the technology where they can demonstrate to any member coming in how to utilize e-transfers, and how to use mobile apps, just to make their lives a bit more convenient."

As they come forward and launch these things, Davey says it will be a very exciting time for the credit union. 

"We're seeing many, many new types of technology coming from various directions as we go forward. We see capabilities on phones of facial recognition to be used on payments. It'll be very interesting times."

Over the last year, Davey notes ACU launched a number of services. Deposit Anywhere, allowing people to snap a picture of their cheque with a smart phone, was made available. Just prior to that ACU introduced e-transfers, and ATMs with U.S. dollars. Davey says those kinds of things will continue to come down the pipe.

Davey feels they should be able to move forward with this endeavour with their current complement of staff.  

Davey noted the innovation centre will have a very inviting atmosphere with people there to assist you as you come in the door. 

"I think often we think members will pick up new technologies right away without really sitting down and going through the process, and understanding this is not meant to move them that way, this is meant to make their life easier."