Social networks6 Comments

Japan | The customer is always right

Colin Henderson

This is an experience about Japan. I grew up with the impression that ‘Made in Japan’ meant excellence in quality, and technology supremacy, represented by advanced phones, robots, and vending machines. This paradigm was exploded for me after visiting Japan, and I clearly remember one episode on my first visit. I was off on a walk around town, soaking in the new environment, and I heard a siren from an oncoming Ambulance – as he reached the intersection just ahead of me, the driving pattern and speed were as we would see in North America, but one vital difference – … Continue reading Japan | The customer is always right

Social networks

Finextra | ABN Amro opens virtual branch in Second Life

Colin Henderson

ABM Amro open branch in open in Second Life – the virtual reality site.  Dutch banking group ABN Amro has set up a virtual financial advice centre in Second Life, the Internet-based role playing game that has a real economy. Second Life has a population of over 380,000 who use virtual currency, known as Linden dollars, to buy and sell virtual goods. Linden dollars can be swapped for real money and many regular players make a significant income from transactions. Source: Finextra: ABN Amro opens virtual branch in Second Life Other Banks in Second Life that I am aware of are: MetaBank – … Continue reading Finextra | ABN Amro opens virtual branch in Second Life

US1 Comment

Toyota to set up bank – Drive.com.au (2004)

Colin Henderson

 Its quite normal for auto manufacturers to have a financial arm, but what is interesting here, is the apparent moves in Poland to operate as internet Banks. Toyota, the world’s second-largest car-maker, has received approval to set up a US banking operation as part of plans to triple the company’s earnings from financial services in two years. Toyota, the world’s second-largest car-maker, has received approval to set up a US banking operation as part of plans to triple the company’s earnings from financial services in two years. An application from Toyota’s US finance company, submitted in November 2002, was approved … Continue reading Toyota to set up bank – Drive.com.au (2004)

AI2 Comments

Polish online banks (branchless Bank update)

Colin Henderson

Thanks to Michael for this list.  Apart form the high level of activity the one that leapt out at me, is the Auto manufacturers Banks.  VW is here, and Toyota Bank coming soon!  Has anyone else heard about those? mBank – the first one virtual bank in Poland (XI 2000), http://www.mbank.com.pl, 1,26 million customers – it has about 50 multimedia kiosks (You can leave your documents; use ATM; etc) http://www.mbank.com.pl/eng/ – in english. It is going to be a Mobile virtual network operator soon! Inteligo the second largest online bank. http://www.inteligo.pl         Demo: http://www.inteligo.pl/infosite/demo/index.html VW Bank direct – http://www.vwbankdirect.pl – a very small … Continue reading Polish online banks (branchless Bank update)

EU2 Comments

Poland – interbank transfers replace cheques

Colin Henderson

I have been getting a fair bit of updates to the list of online banks post, so I am updating it as we go.  I am going to stick it in the sidebar for reference. One of the updates was from Michal in Poland, and as part of that update, here is a summary of how financial transactions between people occurs there. It’s a different banking world 😉 We don’t have to use PayPal. We send money to another bank account via wire transfer and don’t use checks or bill payment. Everyone uses their bank account number. Transfers between banks can … Continue reading Poland – interbank transfers replace cheques

Uncategorized

OneVu | A good example of how a company should operate

Colin Henderson

 After I made the post on Lloyds yesterday, Martin, President of OneVu commented and a subsequent email conversation filled in the blanks.  This is a classic example of turning a potential issue into a positive experience. OneVu are obviously a company that are tuned into the environment in which they participate.  My criticism of Lloyds in the post stands, but I want to correct that I am highly impressed by OneVu, and their Bark customers would do well to follow their lead. Here is a quote from their site. OneVu provides electronic bill presentment to participating banks and billers from secure … Continue reading OneVu | A good example of how a company should operate

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Google takes aim at a mobile future – ZDNet UK

Colin Henderson

 You may find this article is useful for reference.  I happen to be a Google fan, and my internet experience is defined by Google: gmail Google Calendar Google Reader Google Maps Google Personalised home page Browser, phone or blackberry I might add this is by choice, having tried them all, and going back to make sure once in a while too.  I can get Google things on any device, easily quickly, personalised, and customised to work well in each device. My point is that whether you are a Google fan or not, they do a good job at defining the cross … Continue reading Google takes aim at a mobile future – ZDNet UK

AI

Young favor Internet over TV – Yahoo! News

Colin Henderson

 This is one of those macro trends that sneaks up on people, because the decision makers are not so well represented in the demographic experiencing the change.  Banks have to be cognizant of the sweeping shift taking place, and the views of Gen X/Y will drive the consumer landscape over the next 20 years. LONDON (Reuters) – The rise of high-speed Internet and the explosion in online video content is fuelling a widespread decline in the number of people watching television according to a worldwide study by Ofcom. On average around one-third of consumers with broadband access watch less television … Continue reading Young favor Internet over TV – Yahoo! News

Security

SecureWorks Warns of Phishing Schemes Using Dual Authentication Signup Process to Scam Bank and Credit Union Customers

Colin Henderson

 The criminals are always a step ahead.  Now they are encouraging customers to sign up for fake two factor authentication.    I see two things smart banks can do to deal with this: Categorically tell customers they will never send unsolicited emails with a hyperlink, or any email asking customers to do anything EXCEPT go directly to bank.com and log in get their multi factor authentication implemented asap Courtesy of AllPaynews.com The phishers are scamming their victims by directing them to sign up for their bank or credit union’s new dual authentication solution intended to help protect their online banking activities … Continue reading SecureWorks Warns of Phishing Schemes Using Dual Authentication Signup Process to Scam Bank and Credit Union Customers

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November 30th | St. Andrews Day – Patron Saint of Scotland

Colin Henderson

Happy St Andrews day to Scottish / Scottish background, readers. Saint Andrew is the Patron Saint of Scotland, and St. Andrew’s Day is celebrated by Scots around the world on the 30th November. The flag of Scotland is the Cross of St. Andrew, and this is widely displayed as a symbol of national identity. Source: Scotland: St. Andrew   Technorati tags: scotland Continue reading November 30th | St. Andrews Day – Patron Saint of Scotland