Defence Bank has opened a video call centre at its Melbourne head office. Claiming a first for the Australian retail financial services market, the bank is offering customers the opportunity to video-conference with its staff.Defence Bank chief executive Jon Linehan said the bank was using a proprietary system developed by the US video banking specialist, uGenius Technology. Customers need a computer with a camera and can communicate with the bank using standard applications, such as Adobe Flash or Microsoft Silverlight.Linehan said the majority of the bank's 90,000 members are Australian Defence Force personnel who live outside the capital cities. Providing face-to-face access via a video network would be a significant benefit.Initially, members will be able to book a video call to discuss a home loan, personal loan or credit card application.