Co-operative Bank a leading financial institution in Kenya and the larger East Africa region, has partnered with Thunes, a cross-border payment provider, to launch an alternative global money transfer solution branded Co-op Remit.
Co-opRemit streamlines the process of real-time money transfers particularly within Africa, allowing Co-op Bank customers in Kenya to move funds across the world quickly at an affordable rate.
Customers may send money directly to a foreign bank account or mobile number. Money transfers through this platform will bear no extra charge beyond the tariff, thus offering full transparency on forex fees.
With access to Thunes’ fully-integrated global network, Co-op Bank will enhance its digital banking services and deliver a convenient and cost-effective money transfer experience to its customer-base of over 8 million.
Co-op Remit users will be able to access the new money transfer service from channels starting off with any of Co-op Bank’s over 150 branches across the country, and later mobile and internet banking.
“We are delighted to support Co-operative Bank of Kenya in their drive to increase and improve cross-border payment options for their customers.
We look forward to expanding their services with real-time, reliable, and convenient payments across the world, and empowering the SME landscape in Africa – two contributions which are key to driving the region’s growth,” said Thunes CEO Peter De Caluwe.
Speaking at the launch, Co-op Bank’s Director Retail & Business Banking William Ndumia noted that the new money transfer service would be especially significant for SMEs in Kenya, many of which face remittance challenges stemming from inefficiencies in cross-border payments.
“With Co-op Remit SMEs, who are one of our key customer segments, can now look forward to a more efficient trading experience with seamless international payments at affordable rates,” he explained.