I work with a great bunch of folks here at SunGard, every Monday morning, without fail, we congregate around the coffee machine and catch-up on our weekend activities.
Today, for once in my life! I had little to say having spent my Sunday afternoon watching my eldest son’s football team put in a great performance yet still losing eight nil.
The discussion quickly turned back to work and the news reported by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) that the
UK Financial Services Sector grew in the last three months at the
fastest rate since June 2007.
We then started discussing the trends that are shaping the banking and financial services industry. The ten that we feel characterized what we have been seeing in the industry are:
1. The financial crisis has caused banks to re-assess their business fundamentals like profitability and client relationship management to improve client retention and cross selling capabilities
2. Banks are renewing their focus on the fundamental assets of customer, staff and capital rather than product innovation for long-term growth to become well managed
3. Banks are increasing risk transparency to help reduce operational risk and comply with corporate governance regulations and standards
4. Banks are focusing on staff efficiency to make them more aligned with the bank’s risk and profit strategy by enhancing their IT solutions
5. Banks are moving from a product-centric approach to a client-centric approach with a 360-degree understanding of their clients to better manage and maintain client relationships
6. Banks are deploying client profitability analytics to enhance performance by analyzing profitability at multiple levels
7. Banks are seeking data reporting technology and proactive approaches to
better manage clients and client portfolios
8. Banks are trying to better leverage the best of existing infrastructures while adding new platforms for operational and cost efficiencies
9. Banks are accelerating the use of algorithmic approaches to complex back-office tasks for increased automation and efficiency
10. Banks are looking to do more with less by balancing cost reduction with process improvements using business process management and business activity monitoring
Would you agree? Did we miss anything?