JAMAICA’S smaller banking institutions consistently outperformed larger rivals in the reliability of their automated banking machine (ABM) networks during the first five months of 2025, according to unaudited performance data submitted to the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ).

The latest figures for May reveal a stark disparity. First Global Bank Limited (FGB), with just 18 ABMs nationally, achieved a near-perfect 98 per cent average “uptime” across all regions — significantly exceeding the BOJ’s 95 per cent minimum requirement. Conversely, JN Bank Limited, operating 144 ABMs, reported an average uptime of just 83.7 per cent nationally in May, falling critically short of the target. In the key Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA), JN’s uptime was 85.1 per cent.

This pattern is not isolated. Analysis of BOJ data from January to May 2025 shows FGB and CIBC Caribbean Bank (Jamaica) Limited (46 ABMs nationally) consistently leading in uptime performance, routinely achieving 95 per cent or higher. CIBC’s recovery times averaged a brisk 1.5 hours or less monthly.

In contrast, Jamaica’s largest ABM operators, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB – 297 ABMs in May) and Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited (Scotiabank – 299 ABMs), struggled to meet the uptime standard, particularly in urban centres. Scotiabank’s uptime in the KMA hit a low of 89 per cent in May, while its operational rate in rural areas plunged to 86.6 per cent.

The data suggests an inverse relationship between scale and reliability. Smaller institutions, such as First Global Bank and CIBC Caribbean, consistently achieved higher uptimes — often exceeding 95 per cent — and faster recovery times, typically under 1.7 hours. This may reflect prioritisation of rapid maintenance and system resilience within their more manageable networks. Conversely, larger operators like Scotiabank and JN Bank faced recurring challenges.

Scotiabank, in explanatory notes accompanying its submissions, cited recurring challenges including “unusually high occurrences of vandalism” in urban parishes in March and April, “parts remediation initiatives” from February to May, and “unplanned dispenser, power and telecommunication issues” in May. JN Bank has not publicly detailed reasons for its persistent underperformance. The pattern indicates that extensive networks grapple with compounding operational complexities.

The reliability gap has tangible consequences. Prolonged ABM downtimes force customers towards competitors or burdens bank branches. With uptime compliance centred on customer access to cash transactions, the data indicates customers of smaller banks experience far fewer disruptions.

The BOJ reiterated that it publishes the data “as attested to by the respective management” of the banks but “does not in any way certify the accuracy” of the submissions. The sustained underperformance by major players highlights an ongoing challenge in Jamaica’s cash-reliant economy: ensuring consistent, accessible, automated banking services across the island.