Re: Wonder how this will impact UK banks with no US presence?
There are still many people (and small businesses) who use cheques; e.g. members of the older generation for whom friends are flesh and blood they have actually met and spoken with. Online banking is not something they want (or need) to take on. Cash and cheques do fine and online banking, just like telephone banking, is no more than an option. With bank branches deserting the high streets, especially in small towns and rural areas, photographing cheques is an essential link.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
