The world’s first Automated Teller Machine (ATM), a
technology which brought transformation in the way people obtain and use cash,
on Tuesday clocked 50 years.
According to the Metro News, the world’s first ATM was
unveiled by Barclays at its Enfield branch in North London on June 27, 1967.
As a tribute to the golden anniversary, Barclays transformed
the ATM at its Enfield branch into gold, added a commemorative plaque and
placed a red carpet in front for its users.
The original ATM was the brainchild of Scottish inventor
Shepherd-Barron, and was commissioned by Barclays to create six cash
dispensers, the first of which was installed at Enfield.
English actor, Reg Varney, who starred in the British TV
comedy show, “On the Buses,” was the first person to withdraw cash from the new
machine.
The ATM was designed to transform people’s ability to manage
their finances by giving customers access to cash outside bank branch opening
hours. Despite the rise in other new technologies such as online and mobile
banking, the ATM remains popular 50 years on.
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