Lévis, Que.-based Desjardins Group has determined at its recent 22nd annual congress that it should transform its operational mechanisms in order to be more responsive to clients and members’ enhanced use of technology.
The congress, which took place on Sept. 19 in Montreal, brought together 1,400 Desjardins representatives to discuss issues that face the firm and the financial services sector as a whole.
The group began by tackling the issue of changing member and client behaviour in the digital age. Almost all the reps (96%) agreed that Desjardins must transform its operational mechanisms in order to be more responsive toward members and clients’ changing needs regarding technology.
Approximately three-quarters of the reps (76%) agreed on the need to continue growth for members and clients and to inspire trust and confidence while also maintaining strong capital levels and contributing more surplus earnings into the firm’s reserve.
“While delegates were not asked to vote on abolishing the member dividends, they did put forth a number of potential solutions and made it clear that the members’ contribution to their co-operative should be recognized,” Desjardins’ announcement states.
Delegates also discussed the importance of offering members and clients high-quality service they expect in a competitive market in which financial performance and productivity are key issues. This is another area in which an overwhelming amount of reps (89%) were in agreement. They voted to implement firmwide measures meant to help Desjardins become more efficient while remaining true to its co-operative values.
“The priorities that came out of this congress will shape Desjardins into a more agile, innovative and powerful co-operative financial group for our members and clients — and one that is firmly focused on the future,” says Monique F. Leroux, chair of the board, president and CEO of Desjardins Group, in the announcement.