The Zelle Network is expanding its Minority Depository Institution (MDI) access program into its second year, adding a new partnership with Jack Henry while continuing its collaboration with Velera, according to a March 30 press release.
The initiative, first launched in 2025 with Velera, a national credit union service organization and integrated financial technology solutions provider, aims to reduce barriers for community-based financial institutions that provide a critical service in local economic development and wealth-building, the release noted.
Zelle Expands Access To Digital Payments
Through its renewed partnership with Velera, Zelle will continue to enable MDI credit unions to offer real-time digital payment capabilities. The new collaboration with Jack Henry, a financial technology company, extends that access to additional MDI banks and credit unions, broadening the program’s reach, per the press release.
“For many minority communities, MDIs play an essential role in providing access to safe, reliable financial services,” Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle, said.
She added that expanding partnerships will help more institutions deliver digital payment experiences that support local economies and keep money circulating within communities.
Demand Driving Program Growth
Velera reported strong feedback from participating institutions during the program’s first year, noting that the initiative helps smaller financial institutions offer the same digital capabilities as larger banks.
“The success of the program made it clear there was strong demand…,” Amy Evans, SVP of strategic solutions at Velera, said according to the release.
The addition of Jack Henry reflects growing expectations around real-time payments, which have become a standard feature for consumers and businesses managing everyday financial transactions, per the press release.
Supporting Financial Inclusion At Scale
According to the announcement, Zelle now works with more than 2,300 financial institutions, 95% of which are community banks or credit unions.
Tede Forman, president of Jack Henry Payment Solutions, said the partnership will help institutions modernize payment offerings while improving access to faster money movement within their existing platforms.
The expanded MDI access program underscores Zelle’s broader commitment to supporting financial institutions of varying sizes while increasing access to digital payment tools for consumers and small businesses, the press release noted.
