Source: Nomad Software
Ecobank, West and Central Africa's leading indigenous banking group with over 130 branches in 13 countries across the region, has recently introduced an extensive ATM network, underpinned by NOMAD Software.
For the first time, the bank is able to offer customers an alternative option to cash transactions with the introduction of cards and electronic payments.
The bank has set up a centralised processing platform at its head office in Togo. This platform has been designed to process transactions from a geographically disparate customer base spanning Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Senegal and Togo. Due to the lack of reliable communication links and the sheer distance between each of these countries, all transactions are routed via a dedicated satellite infrastructure which the bank introduced to ensure that all its customers could access their funds, wherever and whenever required.
Ecobank turned to NOMAD Software, one of Europe's leading front end switch and card management vendors, for its' NOMAD CORTEX solution. To date a total of 35 ATMs driven by NOMAD CORTEX, have been installed across West and Central Africa with a further 35 planned in 2006. This will provide all customers, including those who do not live within close proximity of a branch, with convenient and easy access to their finances. As well as simple cash withdrawals, customers will also be able to check account balances and very shortly pay bills at the ATM.
Arnold Ekpe, Ecobank Group CEO said: "Given our vision to be a World Class African Banking Group, NOMAD's robust software solution, enables us to provide a seamless Regional Card payment service to customers across West and Central Africa. Not only have we been able to raise the bar in terms of customer satisfaction levels with this solution, we are also attracting many new customers, as we are the first bank in the region to introduce such a wide-ranging ATM network."
He concluded: "From a shared services perspective, and given that the NOMAD CORTEX solution is centralised at our Togo-based shared services company eProcess International SA, we simply need one team to manage the entire system rather than deploying staff all over the continent. This team will handle all upgrades and ensure that every branch enjoys the same high quality service."
Ecobank is currently issuing a network-only debit card, but plan to develop a card which can be used internationally.
John Yeomans, Chief Executive of NOMAD Software commented: "NOMAD Software is delighted to be working in partnership with Ecobank to develop easier and more convenient ways of banking for its customers. In particular, we are excited that this project will offer some of West Africa's unbanked population an alternative option for managing their finances. We look forward to working closely with Arnold Ekpe and his team to help them achieve their long-term objectives for the Ecobank Group.