SCOTIABANK, IBM ANNOUNCE NET BANKING SERVICE
By Adnews Staff
Toronto-based Scotiabank and IBM Canada have teamed up to launch an Internet banking service that will use the public Internet rather than a private data network. The program will be piloted this fall in southwestern Ontario to bank staff and some customers. It will be launched nationally in January. Initially, customers will be able to check balances, transfer funds between accounts, pay bills and review account transactions. Over time, they'll be able to do more complex transactions such as loan and mortgage payments, mutual fund and GIC purchases, as well as investment, budgeting and retirement planning. A marketing plan is being put together and advertising will begin in January. It will likely consist of direct response, done mainly in bank branches, as well as print ads in mainstream PC magazines. Cossette Communication-Marketing of Toronto handles advertising for Scotiabank.