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Customers of Iowa-based PCSB Bank use POPi/o's video banking software to enjoy a virtual visit with Santa Clause in this undated handout photo. StonehamBank will be using its POPi/o video banking tool to offer a similar experience to its customers. Photo courtesy POPi/o
With the pandemic seeing some businesses take creative approaches to adapting products and services amid social distancing guidelines and concerns about rising cases, StonehamBank will put its new video banking platform to a different use this week.
StonehamBank will host video chats with Santa Claus through its Face2Face video platform this week. Both customers and noncustomers were eligible to schedule virtual meetings for their children with Santa on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons this week. Originally scheduled as a two-day event, the bank added another day to the schedule, and all available meetings have been booked.
The video banking tool, which StonehamBank calls Face2Face Banking, is made by Utah-based fintech POPi/o. The platform allows customers to use a computer or mobile app for a video conference with a StonehamBank employee. Customers can do transactions through video banking that might typically require a visit to a branch, including renewing CDs, opening accounts and completing signature cards.
Other financial institutions that use POPi/o’s platform have also hosted virtual meetings with Santa.
“POPi/o Video Banking … is truly honored to see its video banking technology used to provide some cheer and bring communities together during a particularly tough year,” a spokesperson for POPi/o said in an email.
Despite the pandemic, several Massachusetts malls, including those owned by Simon Property Group, continue to offer in person Santa Claus visits using social distancing and public health guidelines.
StonehamBank last month also had an appearance by Santa Claus at its drive-up window.
Updated 4:56 p.m., Dec. 9, 2020: The caption on the photo used in this story has been updated to clarify that the image shows customers at a different POPi/o client speaking with a Santa Claus performer.
