Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.® (NASDAQ:JKHY) is a leading provider of technology solutions and payment processing services primarily for the financial services industry. Its Symitar® division today announced that Tulare County Federal Credit Union selected the Episys® platform to better reach members, maximize efficiencies, and easily scale to meet growth goals.
California-based Tulare Federal had very limited capabilities with their previous core provider and was seeking a technology partner with more automated, digitally advanced, and open offerings. The credit union is leveraging a fully integrated suite of services from Jack Henry including the Banno PlatformTM for modern digital services, and JHA Card Processing Solutions™ for transaction processing and card management. Hosting Episys in an outsourced environment and significantly improving workflows will allow the credit union to confidently grow membership and assets with existing staff and resources.
Gina Ramos, vice president of lending at Tulare Federal, said, “The sky is the limit with Symitar. Episys allows us to customize our experience with the core, opening new lines of communication with members that will cultivate valuable digital experiences, expand relationships, and improve onboarding.”
Previously, the credit union’s only digital member communication was through email. In partnering with Symitar, they can improve digital touchpoints and ultimately deepen member relationships. For instance, Tulare Federal has a first-time automotive lending program where typically less experienced borrowers join from indirect loans without any personal contact with the credit union. Launching a competitive digital strategy with Symitar will allow the $98-million-asset credit union to better connect with these borrowers. The credit union aims to convert at least 20 percent of these members into total banking relationships through the new touchpoints. Ramos explained, “Having someone come into the branch is difficult, especially an individual whom you haven’t met before, so our goal is to develop these relationships digitally.”
The new mobile platform will also facilitate better communications for Tulare Federal’s student-run high school branch where they teach financial education and build relationships with an underbanked population that is often hesitant to trust financial institutions. The credit union’s involvement in the school and commitment to education helps to restore trust for future generations.
Ramos commented, “Our members are our priority. To serve and mentor them effectively, we need to offer financial services with modern conveniences, so they can bank on their time. Engaging with our members needs to be more than a monthly payment or dated experience. With Symitar, we will be able to offer full-service digital banking tools that transform relationships from transactional to meaningful.”
Ted Bilke, vice president of Jack Henry & Associates and president of Symitar, said, “Tulare Federal needed a flexible technology foundation to deliver the education and tools their community needs to financially succeed. The credit union is taking their social responsibility seriously. We are proud to be the technology provider for Tulare Federal as they continue to invest in holistic member relationships and younger generations.”