The strategy addresses demand from consumers who wish to use technology and online tools when they bank, as well as educating and encouraging other consumers who are not presently using technology-based banking services.

To help achieve this NCR will provide APTRA Edge software to help roll out ATM applications across Swedbank's NCR ATM network in 206 branches across the region. NCR also will work with partner Hansab to upgrade more than 150 of Swedbank's older NCR ATMs with the latest NCR SelfServ 22, 25 and 31 units. This includes cash re-cycling capabilities that will help Swedbank reduce costs by decreasing the number of cash deliveries required at branches and the time spent on cash management by branch staff. Hansab will continue to maintain NCR ATMs for Swedbank in all three countries.

"Responding to customer demand for an increasingly technology-based service, as well as educating them on the benefits of modern banking channels, is fundamental to our business," said Mr. Mihkel Roosme, Head of Multichannel Management Division at Swedbank. "To ensure that our multi-channel banking strategy delivers on this, we needed a highly integrated software and hardware solution. We have partnered with NCR for more than 20 years, so they are tuned in to our business and provide the high value solutions that turn our strategy into a reality."

NCR APTRA Edge is part of the APTRA suite of software that performs a variety of functions, including delivering secure transactions, managing the ATM network and building customer relationships. NCR APTRA Edge uses a Windows®-based XFS interface, facilitating an open software environment and making it vendor independent. APTRA is the world's most deployed* multi-vendor software family. The flexible software family is particularly relevant as financial institutions deploy more sophisticated functions at the ATM, such as voice control, cashless payments, advanced deposit, personalization, targeted marketing and integration with other channels.

"As consumers become increasingly aware of convenient technology-based banking channels, financial institutions, such as Swedbank, have responded to deliver on that multi-channel banking experience," said Joe Gallagher, vice president and general manager of Self-Service and Converged Channel Software, NCR Financial Services. "To achieve this, a fine balance of software and hardware must be carefully implemented to provide the desired customer experience. We are proud to have worked with Swedbank over so many years as it has evolved into the region's leading bank, and we will continue to help them make everyday transactions easier for their customers."