LITTLE ROCK, AR – October 20, 2020 – Smiley Technologies, Inc. (STI), a developer and provider of secure, innovative core banking solutions for community banks, joined the American Bankers Association (ABA) initiative for banks to consider offering Bank On certified accounts to expand access to banking services and reduce the number of unbanked and underbanked Americans.
Smiley Technologies is amongst a list of core banking providers nationwide to help their bank customers offer the Bank On certified accounts. Bank On certified accounts include minimal costs, free and unrestricted customer service, and no overdraft fees. First inspired by the FDIC’s Safe Account Pilot, the Bank On National Account Standards were created by national nonprofit organization the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund—or CFE Fund—and are widely supported by consumer advocates and the financial services industry.
More than 40 banks nationwide are offering Bank On certified accounts today, including Smiley Technologies’ client Southern Bancorp.
“Thousands of American families avoid traditional financial institutions for a variety of reasons, resulting in an increased financial burden on them as they navigate the world of check cashers, reloadable debit cards, and more,” said Darrin Williams, Southern Bancorp, Inc. CEO. “Bank On accounts offer these families a low-cost re-entry point to the financial mainstream where they can not only pay less to manage their money but also take advantage of responsible credit building and lending services to build their net worth. We’re appreciative of the ongoing support of our core provider, Smiley Technologies, and their leadership on this issue.”
Elizabeth Smiley Glasbrenner, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Smiley Technologies, Inc., said, “The Bank On certified accounts gives people a better opportunity to start banking, which can open doors to financial empowerment for themselves and their families. We are honored to join the list of core banking providers to assist banks in implementing these accounts.”
The company is deeply rooted in the history of banking technology. Elizabeth is the daughter of Walter Smiley, founder in 1968 of Systematics, Inc. Growing up in the datacenters of her father’s venture, Elizabeth witnessed the benefit of a true partnership between a technology provider and a bank. Such a partnership, she saw, allowed everyone to flourish, the bank, the company, the customers, the employees, the shareholders and the community. It is these lessons that are the basis of STI’s vision, mission and values.
About Smiley Technologies, Inc. (STI)
Smiley Technologies, Inc. is a trusted voice providing secure, innovative banking solutions and exceptional customer service that promotes valued strategic partnerships with its banking customers. The Company values customer-centric business practices and traditions that recall those who ushered in the first big wave of bank technology innovation a half century ago. STI is built on the idea that banking and innovation can, and should, work together seamlessly. The Company believes that the employees are just as important as the software, and invests heavily in both. STI continues to build on its commitment to deliver better banking through its innovative SIBanking™ product suite. ###
