by
Tricia Zinkowski | Feb 13, 2023
SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA – Following a lengthy review, Affinity Credit Union has made the decision to close the Canwood, Sedley, Semans, Simpson and Waldheim Advice Centres in June 2023.
“The decision to close an advice centre is very difficult,” said Mark Lane, Affinity Credit Union Chief Executive Officer. “While these locations have historically been the centerpiece of a member’s relationship with their credit union, that reality has changed. Our business realities have aligned with extensive research that signals member habits and expectations have evolved for everyone within the financial services industry.”
“With over 85% of member transactions now performed through digital channels (online and mobile banking), we’re experiencing fewer members visiting our advice centres ‘in person’ to conduct traditional day-to-day banking activities. This increasing shift in how members interact with our credit union signalled a need to again review our advice centre footprint,” said Lane.
As previously announced, Affinity will also close locations in Lake Lenore and Muenster in conjunction with the opening of an East-Central Regional Advice Centre in Humboldt in early March.
Affinity has a keen focus on investing in new technologies and processes that meet the changing needs of members. “We want to ensure that we can offer our members price-competitive products, services and technology that’s relevant to their lifestyles – we really are in a rapidly-changing period as an industry,” said Lane.
Affinity employees will work with individuals and businesses over the next few months to identify service options and help them through these changes.
Come July, Affinity will continue to have the largest footprint of any financial services provider in Saskatchewan, with 50 advice centres located across 41 communities. While increasingly regional in a geographic sense, advice centres will continue to play a key role in service delivery, focusing on providing in-person advice and expertise that advances the financial wellbeing of members.
For additional information, contact:
Tricia Zinkowski
Communications Advisor
Tricia.Zinkowski@affinitycu.ca
306.385.4623