Canada's third largest bank by market capitalisation, Scotiabank, has more than 7 million customers and 1016 retail outlets. It is Canada's most international bank and in spring 2008 it started offering Western Union services. The bank now offers Western Union remittance services through three platforms: in-branch, through its call centres, and online.
According to Brent Currie, managing director of core deposits and payments at Scotiabank, the co-operation with Western Union came about as a natural fit. "Because we are Canada's most international bank, it made sense for us to work with a well-known and trusted remittance company that could provide our customers with a broad reach around the globe." The sheer size of the Western Union distribution network, the company's reputation and the power of their brand, says Mr Currie, made the co-operation a sensible decision for Scotiabank. Mr Currie adds: "Scotia is a well known and trusted brand in Canada and when it comes to remittances, Western Union tested well in brand recognition and respect here in Canada, so it made sense to put the two brands together."
