Customers get information and conduct transaction at the JN Financial Services Centre, located at the Loshusan Supermarket in Barbican, St. Andrew. - Contributed

Community banking has taken a major step with the recent opening of the first cashless operation at the JN financial services centre at the Loshusan Supermarket in Barbican, St. Andrew, last month, by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS).

According to Phillip Bernard, senior manager for community banking and ATM services, at JNBS the Centre offers all the typical services of a traditional JN branch; but, by using state-of-the-art technology, it facilitates transactions - such as savings deposits, loan applications and payments, fund management and general insurance services, via debit and credit cards, as well as cheques."

The Financial Services Centre, spearheaded by the JNBS Community Banking Department, is part of a new thrust to provide a platform for community development by establishing financial services at convenient locations and times for residents. He said that traditionally banks are located in the hub of commercial areas and major town centres; however, JNBS has been focusing on reversing this trend.

"Since 2004 we have been moving in the direction to establish financial services at the community level with the establishment of our Money Shops in underserved communities, and this new cashless location is another example," Mr. Bernard explained.

"Convenience is but one small benefit; in fact, the presence of a financial entity impacts in a myriad of ways on the development of any community," Mr. Bernard outlined. "And, with the establishment of the centre, there is potential to spur numerous income-generating activities. The thriving micro and small business community in Barbican has begun to benefit from the services provided."

The JN Financial Services Centre serves the communities of Jacks Hill, Hope Pastures, Mona, and Liguanea, and operates from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The community banking manager further indicated that locations, such as the one at the Loshusan Supermarket, also help the building society to determine the best way of tailoring its services to meet the new demands of its members.

Other community banking services are available at Money Shops located at AZ Mart, Barbican; Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston; Tivoli, Spanish Town Road; Whitehouse Westmoreland; Port Maria, St. Mary; Gayle, St. Mary.

"I am confident that the facility will prove as convenient, reliable and secure for residents in Barbican and its surrounding areas, as residents using our other facilities have experienced," Mr. Bernard affirmed.