Citizens Bank of Edmond Launches Digital Bank ‘Roger’ for US Military Recruits

American community bank Citizens Bank of Edmond has introduced a pioneering digital-first platform tailored to cater to the unique financial needs of military service members, according to Finextra. This innovative initiative, named «Roger,» is a collaborative effort between Citizens Bank of Edmond and banking technology vendor Nymbus. Roger is now accessible to military personnel across the United States and around the world.

The visionary behind Roger is Jill Castilla, President, and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, who is also a seasoned veteran of the US Army and the Oklahoma National Guard. Reflecting on her own experience, Castilla expressed, «When I enlisted at 19, I had little access to my bank accounts and financial tools.» In partnership with Nymbus, her team embarked on a mission to streamline the onboarding and management of accounts, making the transition into service smoother and more efficient with a digital-first approach.

Castilla, in an interview with Banking Dive, highlighted a concerning statistic — up to 50% of new recruits entering basic training lack a banking relationship. This absence of financial infrastructure can adversely impact their ability to access their paychecks promptly. With Roger’s launch, this critical gap is being addressed, ensuring that military recruits have the necessary financial services and tools at their disposal.

A noteworthy feature of Roger is its flexibility in catering to the needs of young recruits. Those as young as 17, who have signed enlistment papers, can open an account without requiring a cosigner. This inclusive approach underscores the commitment of Citizens Bank of Edmond to empower and support military personnel in their financial journeys.

As the brainchild of Jill Castilla, Roger represents a significant leap towards enhancing financial inclusivity and accessibility for military service members. With this innovative digital banking solution, Citizens Bank of Edmond is not only meeting the financial needs of military recruits but also paving the way for a more seamless and secure banking experience.