Hope Federal Credit Union, a $169 million institutionheadquartered in Jackson, Miss., with a mission to serve theregion's under- and unbanked, has announced that its debut ofmobile remote deposit capture is proving immensely popular and mayeven help the institution attract new members, said Bill Bynum,Hope's CEO.

Bynum said that before MRDC, Hope had around 800 mobile bankingmembers. “We have added 1,900 more just since we started offeringMRDC in December.”

Hope's technology partners in mobile banking are Henderson,Nev.-based Bluepoint Solutions and Austin, Texas-based Malauzai.

“Low income people and people of color, groups that are ourcore, use smartphones at a higher rate than the generalpopulation,” said Bynum. Many do not have a personal computer athome, thus the smartphone is their primary means of accessing theInternet and its communication technologies.

Said Bynum: “Many of our target members live in very smallcommunities. It's not practical for us to have bricks and mortareverywhere. So we see mobile as a great opportunity to extend ourservices.”

He indicated that Hope's goal is to double its membership –presently 28,000 – in the next couple years. “Mobile will play abig role in that,” said Bynum.

“Our mobile banking services are on a par with or superior tothose offered by many bigger, traditional institutions. This isletting us compete.”

Bynum said that before year-end, Hope also plans to debutMoneyDesktop,the personal finance manager. The Hope version will be availableboth online and via mobile devices and, said Bynum, “it will helpour members make smarter financial decisions.”