Independent ATM Deployers are a critical part of the ATM ecosystem. These front-line businesses provide access to cash in areas deemed too risky by financial institutions. The market for IADs has changed significantly in recent years, both in negative and positive ways, such as declining cash usage, rising AI tools and advanced ATM features.

In today's episode of the Bank Customer Experience podcast, Bradley Cooper, podcast host and editor of ATM Marketplace, spoke with Todd McEwan, president of New England ATM, an ATM service provider based in the New England states, about what the past and present landscape is like for IADs.

One fact he pointed to was that the market for IADs has changed significantly. He said in 2008 it was very common not to see ATMs in convenience stores, but now the market has matured and one can find ATMs in gas stations and convenience stores around the U.S.

Over time, the valuable locations have changed as well. Hotels and hospitality were highly sought after in the early 2000s, as customers would often withdraw cash to tip taxis, but with the onset of Uber and other ridesharing apps, this has cut into the market. McEwan said the current most valuable locations for IADs are "vice" locations such as cannabis dispensaries, liquor stores and other shops of that nature.

Of course, by installing in locations like these, IADs also have to think carefully about security. He pointed out that on average, his business loses "$7,000 to $10,000" annually due to theft, and he has to consider that a "business expense." In some locations, he doesn't stock the ATMs with a lot of cash due to the risk of theft. For loss prevention, he said it's important to bolt the ATM to the floor and keep it away from easy access such as doors and windows.

McEwan discussed a number of other topics of importance to IADs including:

How is cash usage trend impacting the business?
What's good tactics for dealing with banking relationships?
How feasible is it to provide more advanced features for an ATM as an IAD?

Listen to the discussion in its entirety above.