In the demanding landscape of the legal system, where schedules are packed and decisions take time, financial planning often takes a back seat.

For Hannah Smith* that has been the reality. She juggles demanding court schedules and tight deadlines. However, one financial app has shifted the balance of power in her favour, becoming a vital tool that now assists her with maintaining control over her access to financial services, even when she is constantly on the move.

Leveraging the convenience and functionality of the JN Financial Group’s ONE JN Passport, Smith was recently able to secure financing to support a new business venture that she intends to use to help build and secure a retirement cushion for her elderly parents.

She said the rapid turnaround, facilitated though the app, was critical for her meeting her obligations without hassle.

“I work in a very time-consuming industry– the judicial system. It is rare that I’m free for any long period. I went to the JN Bank Duke Street branch (in downtown Kingston) and was prepared for a lengthy process; however, everything was resolved within half an hour,” she declared. “I was genuinely shocked. I got back to work with 20 minutes of lunch time to spare.” 

Describing the intelligent application as forward-thinking, efficient and impressive, Smith commended its development, noting that it is setting a new standard of excellence and supporting customers whose lives do not necessarily fit within traditional banking hours.

A young professional in her mid-twenties living with her parents in St Catherine, Smith compared her experience with the application and experiences with other institutions, “like night and day.” 

“I couldn’t find any other solution before,” she recalled. “I was in a tight spot. I called different places for interest rates and JN was the best one I found. The fact that I was given five years to pay back the loan is also very favourable, and I take note of that. JN has cleared a pathway for me to pursue my dreams,” she said.

Within five minutes of arriving at the branch, Smith said a loan officer guided her on downloading the ONE JN Passport from the Google Play Store to her android device, allowing her to bypass the traditional paperwork and long wait time, typically associated with doing business with a bank.

“It made me realise I didn’t have to go to the branch at all. I can stay at home and do this. I can be on the road and do this. It was an easy experience and I’m not even a ‘tech’ person. I uploaded all the photos and information that they wanted and by the end of the day, I got the email that my loan was approved,” she explained.

Smith said the experience has increased her confidence in JN Bank, pointing out that she will be using the app to deepen her relationship with the bank and the JN Financial Group.

“The loan officer provided excellent customer service and checked in on me every step of the way. The app is innovative, and it feels very futuristic. JN is really empowering its customers with this app and that’s a good thing. I’m currently looking into opening another savings account in this manner.”

The ONE JN Passport allows users to provide their information digitally to the JN Financial Group only once to access a range of financial services within the group, including unsecured loans or savings accounts at JN Bank. In time, users will be able to access the full suite of financial services provided by the Group through the portal. 

Freddie Pragnell, chief of process improvement and innovation at JN Bank, said that since its launch, the ONE JN Passport has hugely benefited members, including those with demanding schedules.

“Beyond allowing members to join JN Bank from the comfort of their own homes, we can now provide deposit accounts immediately and credit products within the space of a day, from start to finish. The ethos behind ONE JN is the financial inclusion and prosperity of our members. I believe we are now and will continue to live up to this idea,” he added.