Digital Banking Transformation White Paper

Topics
Contactless
Author
Mobiquity
Publication Date
8 September 2023

Digital Banking Transformation White Paper

The financial sector is changing faster than ever before, thanks to advances in technology. Traditional banks and credit unions are going through a major shift. This means they need to adapt to meet changing consumer demands to stay competitive.

At the center of this shift is digital banking, which presents both challenges and opportunities. Financial institutions need to gain deeper insights and develop better strategies to keep up. We’ll help you do exactly that.

Reviews can build or break a brand

Consumers have been conditioned to look at reviews to make buying decisions. Research tells us that consumers are:

  • 50% less likely to download an app with a rating below 4 stars
  • 80% less likely to download an app below 3 stars
  • 55% more likely to have a negative perception of a brand with a 1- or 2-star rating

So, what can you do if your bank’s mobile app has negative reviews? The upside of bad reviews is that they provide you with the insights necessary to improve. Once you know what customers say about your bank, you can make a plan to address the frictions and double down on successes.

By examining customer feedback from some of the biggest banking apps in Apple and Android app stores, including Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo, Mobiquity uncovered insights into how consumers engaged with these banking apps during COVID-19. This information and other free resources in this report will give you an action plan that you can use as you progress on your digital transformation journey.

Digital transformation in the banking industry

Digital transformation in banking isn’t just about integrating modern technologies. It is about overhauling the operating model to serve customers better, replacing legacy systems, and transitioning from brick-and-mortar branches to a digital native environment.

A multitude of factors are driving this transition. From process automation to the advent of machine learning in financial data analysis, a digital transformation strategy in banking must be holistic and forward-looking.

Here are some ways to embrace these changes.

Consider specialization

In an environment dominated by vast and multifunctional banks, many institutions have carved a niche by offering specialized services. Instead of casting a wide net and attempting to cater to every possible need, they focus on specific demographics or particular banking products, such as types of accounts or loans.

Many banks have found more success by offering specialized services rather than trying to be a “one-stop-shop.” By specializing, your bank can cater to a niche audience and enhance your digital transformation efforts.

Emphasis on customer engagement

With the rapid pace of digital innovation, merely providing digital tools isn't enough. The onus is on banks to increase customer engagement across every interaction point. This involves introducing novel product offerings, equipping customers with superior financial management tools, and delivering timely and relevant content.

The next frontier in enhancing customer loyalty isn't just about completing transactions but fostering meaningful engagements. With the convergence of consumer and marketing technologies, banks are looking to shift from reactive to proactive interactions, utilizing data and AI to provide real-time recommendations and insights.

Digital transformation strategy

At its core, digital transformation strategy needs to revolve around how banks can leverage technology to improve their customer experience, streamline operations, and introduce innovative services.

Whether adopting contactless payments, enabling multi-channel customer interactions, or utilizing data analytics for personalized services, the strategy should be robust, flexible, and future-proof.

But what does it take to get there? What are the action items you need to check off your list?

Financial institutions shift to a digital-first customer focus

The pandemic expedited the need for many financial institutions to prioritize their digital channels. With social distancing norms and reduced in-person interactions came a shift to digital platforms. For financial institutions, this meant the digital landscape was no longer a mere supplement to their brick-and-mortar branches but a primary point of interaction.

Customers now expect seamless online banking experiences, and banks need to be equipped to deliver on these expectations.

Provide services based on consumer demands

Meeting the evolving demands of consumers requires constant innovation. Whether it's about instant loan approvals, AI-driven financial advice, or tailored savings plans, banks must always stay a step ahead.

Customers want immediate, smart, and personalized advice. Banks that can understand and anticipate these demands will stay ahead of the curve.

Remain competitive with the traditional banking industry

The emergence of digital-only banks, often termed 'neo-banks,' has revolutionized what consumers expect from their banking experiences. Traditional banks, while trusted and established, face the challenge of integrating these modern innovations to remain relevant.

It's crucial to learn from these digital natives, reimagine their processes, and even consider collaboration. This isn't just about competition; it's about evolving in tandem for mutual benefit and industry growth.

Mobile apps offer customer solutions

Mobile apps have become central in digital banking financial services. Compared to traditional banking, the convenience of handling all of your financial transactions online is unmatched.

Beyond transactional abilities, these apps provide holistic financial solutions like intuitive financial advice or budgeting tools. It’s safe to say they aren't just tools but foundational elements in contemporary banking.

Improve your bank or credit union technology stack

An effective digital transformation is built on a solid technology foundation. This means replacing or upgrading core systems, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure, and adopting cloud services for scalability and flexibility.

By doing so, you can improve your efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver better customer service. Of course, this is easier said than done and requires a significant investment of time and resources. However, the benefits of a successful digital transformation are well worth the effort.

Benefits of digital banking transformation

Digital banking transformation presents many benefits for both banks and their customers. Let’s consider a few examples of the most impactful benefits.

Compliance

Navigating the maze of regulatory compliance is a challenge for many financial institutions. Thanks to new technologies, banks can automate routine tasks and ensure accuracy and timeliness in tracking, reporting, and meeting regulatory standards.

Instead of manual oversight and paperwork, digital platforms can centralize, monitor, and maintain compliance records, streamlining processes and reducing human errors.

Attract new customers

Today's customers are driven by convenience and expect a seamless digital experience in every aspect of their lives, banking included. For many, the availability of online services and digital products is a primary consideration when choosing a bank.

In fact, user-friendly digital platforms, easy-to-use mobile apps, and round-the-clock online customer support can tip the scales in favor of one bank over another. Institutions that can effectively integrate these elements into their offerings are more likely to attract and retain the tech-savvy modern customer.

Easy investment banking services

One of the areas witnessing significant digital transformation is investment banking. Previously perceived as a complex domain, digital tools demystify it for the average user. Customers can now track their investments, access insights, and make decisions with the tap of a button.

Platforms with data analytics offer predictions and advice, while intuitive interfaces make navigation a breeze. Such conveniences have revolutionized investment banking, making it not only more accessible but also more transparent to a broader audience.

Security measures

While the digital age offers countless conveniences, it also comes with its set of security challenges. Digital transformation in banking, however, ensures that security remains paramount.

Enhanced encryption methods, multi-factor authentication, real-time fraud detection, and continuous monitoring are now integrated into digital platforms. These measures are designed to protect customer data, funds, and trust, ensuring that moving towards a more digital banking experience does not compromise safety.

Digital banking transformation isn’t the future, it’s the present

The wave of digital banking transformation isn't looming on the horizon—it's already here. This digital shift is challenging traditional banks.

Online reviews matter and feedback can guide improvements. Research, like Mobiquity's on banking apps, offers a roadmap for banks.

Banks aren't just adding tech; they're changing their whole approach. They are specializing, focusing on digital interactions, and facing competition from new digital-only banks. Mobile apps have become central, making a strong tech foundation vital.

The benefits? Better regulatory compliance, new tech-savvy customers, simpler investment tools, and improved security. For banks, it's clear: adapt to the digital age or get left behind.

Ready to learn more about digital banking transformation? Download our whitepaper or contact us to learn more.

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