Robert H. Wischnowsky is Bank Rhode Island’s chief information officer at a time when technology is changing the way people to do banking. Wischnowsky has been with BankRI since 2008, and had been employed at Fleet Bank, and FleetBoston before it was acquired by Bank of America.
Wischnowsky answered five questions about past and future technology changes at BankRI.
PBN: What types of technology upgrades are on the horizon for BankRI?
WISCHNOWSKY: We are always looking for ways to service our customers better and improve efficiency. In the last 18 months, we have upgraded our entire information infrastructure, launched a new website, updated our branch processing systems and rolled out the new online banking system. Our major technology projects for 2011 include a new online cash management system, further enhancements to online banking and the launch of electronic statements.
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PBN: Is mobile banking the wave of the future, or just hype? Or somewhere in between?
WISCHNOWSKY: Mobile banking is here to stay. In Europe, bank customers have been using it for years. The United States has lagged a little bit in user adoption. However, application-driven smart phones like the iPhone and the Droid have helped spur interest among consumers.
PBN: Will we see a BankRI smart phone app?
WISCHNOWSKY: We listen to our customers and tailor our services to meet their needs. I think this will ultimately be another channel for us to interact with them – just like a branch, an ATM, our phone center or our website. The timing will be based on the level of customer demand, along with our overall business priorities.
PBN: BankRI launched a new website earlier this year. How does the current BankRI online banking differ from its previous incarnation? Some of the useful changes?
WISCHNOWSKY: We have simplified the navigation to make it easier to get around and find what you need. It’s very intuitive. The look and feel are more user-friendly. We added a summary page that captures all recent activity, shows all of a customer’s accounts and allows them to start transacting as soon as they log in. I think the change that customers will appreciate the most is the upgrade to our bill-payment system. Paying bills online is fast and easy. We now offer online bill presentment, which enables you to receive some bills electronically right in online banking. It’s a big time saver.
PBN: Security always seems to be a concern when talking about online banking. Can you detail some of BankRI’s efforts?
WISCHNOWSKY: Protecting our customers’ information is our No. 1 priority. It has to be. People are entrusting us not only with their finances, but also their most personal information. We take that very seriously. With regard to our new online banking system, we have utilized the highest level of protection available.
