US credit union service organisation delivers an innovative digital banking solution with specifically-tailored neurodiverse functionalities.
Mahalo Banking has unveiled its new online banking solution for credit unions with added functionality for union members with neurodiverse conditions.
Neurodiverse conditions, including dyslexia, autism, ADD, ADHD, epilepsy, visual sensitivity and ASD, affect around a fifth of the world’s population. However, digital platforms are yet to yield an innate understanding of triggers associated with these conditions, something that is reflected throughout the features of these services.
In recognition of this, the mobile banking solutions provider, of Troy, Michigan, has reimagined a platform capable of catering to credit union members within the neurodiverse spectrum.
The platform’s new features include left- and right-hand use modes, formatting options for people with dyslexia or visual impairments, and the ability to disable animations for individuals affected by epilepsy.
The platform now also incorporates enhanced common banking functions including easy account opening, quick transfer and payment options and direct deposit allocation features.
Banking for everyone
The development of the banking platform actively sought to “incorporate the neurodiversity of our memberships,” explains Denny Howell, COO and co-founder of Mahalo.
As a credit union member who is also colour-blind, Howell is all too familiar with leveraging digital banking channels that lack functionality.
Mahalo’s reimagined platform seeks to deliver “digital banking humanised,” explains Howell, assimilating a robust experience for all members, regardless of their conditions.
“We’re proud of our next-gen banking platform, but we are equally excited as we continue to enhance our solution to build out more user-centric features that enable additional diverse groups of credit union members to have better digital banking experiences,” adds Howell.
Jim Stickley, president and CEO of Mahalo, further delves into the problem that the platform’s redesign seeks to address. According to Stickley, as the world continues to move online, “up to 20 per cent of credit union members have been unable to properly use existing online banking solutions due to the solution’s lack of support for neurodiversity,” and these limitations expose members to feelings of being forgotten and marginalised.
“A primary goal of Mahalo was to embrace the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’,” says Stickley, with the platform supporting “the diverse traits that make up each credit union member and consistently offer a pleasant experience regardless of who they are or what their needs may be.”
Credit union integration
This platform modernises online and mobile banking solutions exclusively for credit unions, with Mahalo’s design applicable to a range of credit unions. The platform’s technology integrates into unions’ core infrastructures to provide security and features set across all delivery channels.
Above all, the platform promotes strengthened member engagement, inclusive accessibility, the increased use of credit union applications and the overall enhancement of the banking experience.
Driven by an appreciation of the credit union movement, Mahalo’s current team consists of credit union industry veterans with first-hand experience addressing the common challenges that credit unions and their members face.
