Banks can gain by turning digital-savvy: A study

NEW JERSEY, USA: A new study conducted by Cognizant and Monitise plc finds that retail banks can realize the full potential of mobile banking by offering segmented consumer experiences and advanced digital wallet capabilities.

According to the study, consumers are increasingly expecting banks to help improve their mobile lifestyles by providing anytime, anywhere capabilities, customized user experiences, shopping and social features, and value-added services. This, the study states, represents a new opportunity for retail banks to drive customer loyalty, attract new business, and generate more revenue.

The study surveyed more than 700 consumers from a diverse group of U.S. financial institutions, age ranges, annual incomes, genders, ethnicities, education, and employment backgrounds to understand their mobile banking expectations, emerging trends, and current and future needs. A report titled "Segment-Based Strategies for Mobile Banking," based on the findings of the study, details consumer expectations and recommendations for banks to focus on continuing innovation and tailoring mobile strategies through consumer segmentation.

Key study findings include some points like anytime, anywhere capabilities that tells how consumers are looking for greater functionality as they seek more options. This strongly relates to segmentation of consumer interest and behavior. Interest in remote check deposit and real-time alerts on unusual account activity are important features across segments that could induce consumers to switch banks.

It also indicates that Tablets have emerged as a unique and valued user interface with 41 per cent of survey respondents wanting to use tablets compared with smartphones, and 60 per cent of tablet owners preferring a tablet for mobile banking. Consumers are now using both devices for different purposes and want features optimized to suit each device's form factor. Feature personalization like rearranging tabs and functions is also important to more than 75 per cent of the consumers surveyed. Offering this flexibility can give banks a competitive edge and help retain customers.

The study adds that consumers want their bank to offer better shopping and social experiences and also prefer offers from banks rather than other mobile payment mediums. By offering discounts and offers from retailers on consumers' mobile devices, retail banks can increase mobile payment traffic. Consumers are also open to using social networking features on mobile banking apps/Web sites for accessing information on new products and sharing opinions.

"Amid the growing proliferation of digital channels and rapidly evolving consumer behavior, retail banks can no longer afford to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach in devising and enhancing their mobile strategies," said Vin Malhotra, Consulting Partner for Banking and Financial Services with Cognizant Business Consulting (CBC), Cognizant's consulting practice.