Banks generally prefer to handle their own ATM software and operations. Some banks have third-party firms develop the software while handling the operational processes themselves.
In this case, each bank ends up doing separate work for both software and operations, and a significant amount of labor is spent as a result.
So, will this situation have a negative effect?
It is generally thought that this situation makes access to cash more difficult, and it is often the target of criticism. Frankly, I believe that if managed well, this situation can be beneficial for both banks and users.
In this regard, banks are seen to be moving their own ATMs onto a shared platform in order to reduce operational and labor costs. These days, banks around the world are testing a "transfer to a shared network" approach that softens this transition somewhat.
This method, first tried in Sweden, is based on multiple banks transferring their ATMs to a shared ATM network owned by a private company. In this way, banks reduce the effort they devote to ATM management and operations, while also ensuring that users are not affected by the reduced number of ATMs, and that banking services continue to be provided in sparsely populated areas where bank access is difficult.
Similarly, in 2017, the Dutch banks ABN Amro, ING, and Rabobank established a company called Geldservice Nederland and began transferring their ATMs to this company. The first of the company's shared ATMs, called Geldmaat and featuring a bright yellow color, began operating at the Overhees shopping center in the town of Soest in the Netherlands. In this way, the aim is to prevent potential customer grievances arising from the reduced number of ATMs, while reducing operational and transaction costs.
Geldservice Nederland states that with Geldmaat ATMs, the number of ATMs on busy streets will be reduced, but the ATM network will be distributed more evenly in light of criteria such as the transaction volumes and peak usage times of the machines. We will all see together how this method, now being used in the Netherlands, will provide convenience to customers in accessing cash transactions and using cash.
Why isn't there a similar practice in Turkey?
An initiative of this kind has also begun in Turkey, one of the leading countries in payment systems. It is still at the project stage. Since no public announcement has been made regarding the details of the project, it would not be appropriate for me to share information on this topic.
I will only say this: if the project is implemented as intended, there will be serious and fundamental changes in ATM management in Turkey, and new names that will dominate the sector will be added.
