Bankstown City Unity Bank pioneers cashless, techno smart banking in south west
It calls itself a bank but does not deal with cash and is more high tech than your usual go-to financial institution.
It calls itself a bank but does not deal with cash and is more high tech than your usual go-to financial institution.
Bankstown City Unity Bank’s new branch at the Bankstown Sports-owned Flinders Centre is certainly a game changer in the south west Sydney as it revolutionises banking as we know it.
What is even more welcoming is the free use of 3D printers, virtual reality googles and meeting booths for business and social meetings for anyone, not just customers.
The bank’s CEO Mark Genovese — whose dad Alex worked in the credit union business for more than three decades — said there is nothing like this in south west Sydney.
“We started it first in Bathurst and is a big success,” Mr Genovese said.
“People can see, feel, and play with the new technology.
“Anyone can come in and see for themselves because the staff are trained to help them with technical and computer stuff.
“We have seniors coming in too and this will make lifer easier for them.”
It is a member-owned bank, which has its beginnings with Bankstown Municipal Council Employees’ Credit Union in 1965.
In 2017, Bankstown City Credit Union merged and became a division of Unity Bank.
BCUB has more than 45,000 members and more than $1.2 billion in assets.
“At the end of the day, we are a business and we realise that people are looking for an alternative banks after what has happened to the major banks,” Mr Genovese said.
“Our driving motivation was to give back to the community of Canterbury-Bankstown by creating more access to resources, inspiration and innovation while creating a relaxing banking
experience.”
General manager Steve Vassallo said this a wonderful opportunity for the community to “engage in innovative banking practices and various electronic media platforms in a friendly and trendy environment within Bankstown Sports Club premises”.
“The bank has invested in the latest technology to allow existing and prospective members to freely visit and try exciting new devices and applications with knowledgeable staff on hand to assist and demonstrate,” Mr Vassallo said.
“For those that want to see what a 3D printer does, or have a school project developed and designed online with the use of the latest Macs and IT wizardry, the branch is the perfect way to try.
IN OTHER NEWS
“Although this is a cashless branch, a modern ATM sits within the foyer for safe and easy use, and our modern office layout allows comfortable surrounds to discuss any lending inquiry visitors wish to talk about. We welcome all to come in and say hi, relax, and see what the future holds.
There is an ATM which is accessible after hours through the Bankstown Sports Club.
Address: BCUB Flinders Centre, 25 Restwell St, Bankstown.
Facilities include: 3D printer for anyone to use, meeting booths for business and social catch-ups; virtual reality goggles; smartphones, tablets, PC and Mac desktop computers; — Microsoft surface studio.
Man arrested at Sydney Airport after drug lab explodes
A man has been arrested at Sydney International Airport almost four months after police say a clandestine drug lab exploded in Sydney’s west.
‘So much blood’: Driver’s fatal alleged accelerator error
Family and friends have paid tribute to a man who died in a southwest Sydney driveway after his mate allegedly hit the accelerator instead of the brakes and ran him over.