RBC is branching out with a new language app that gives clients real-time video access to interpreters.
When the service is required at a branch, banking advisors will open the language app on a tablet and select the client’s preferred language. Using two-way video technology, the client and banker can speak directly with the interpreter. The service is currently offered in 13 languages, as well as American Sign Language, with plans to add more languages.
RBC said with so many people new to Canada – and to the banking system – needing financial advice, the demand for interpretation services has been increasing.
“Across Canada, we have a commitment to the quality of advice we provide,” said Jamie Clinch, regional vice-president, RBC. [The app] absolutely opens up communication to a greater group of our client base and makes it a lot easier for people to communicate in any one of our branches, in the language of their choice.”
The app also supports 200 languages through audio conferencing, a service RBC has offered over the telephone since 2009. “What [the app] does is create the face to face and creates that differentiated communication because you can see the translator,” said Clinch.
RBC is raising awareness of the service through its branch staff, as well as reaching out to new immigrant settlement groups and schools for the deaf and hearing impaired, who in turn are sharing the information with their communities.
