Why digitalisation matters and how it is reshaping the landscape
Julio Gomez
December 24, 2022
Background
Digitalization in the financial services industry refers to the adoption of digital technologies to fundamentally change how financial services companies operate and deliver value to customers. This includes the use of technologies such as mobile and online banking, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, data analytics, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The goal of digitalisation in the financial services industry is to improve customer experience, increase efficiency, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Mobile banking
One key aspect of digitalisation in the financial services industry is the adoption of mobile banking. Mobile banking refers to the use of smartphone apps to allow customers to manage their accounts, pay bills, transfer funds, and more from their mobile devices. This has greatly increased the convenience and accessibility of financial services for customers, as they can access their accounts and perform transactions anytime and anywhere. Mobile banking has also helped financial services companies to reach a wider customer base, as many people prefer to use their smartphones for financial management.
Online banking
Another important aspect of digitalisation in the financial services industry is the use of online banking. Online banking allows customers to access their accounts and perform various transactions through a web browser. This has made financial services more convenient and accessible for customers, as they can access their accounts from any device with an internet connection. Online banking has also helped financial services companies to reduce their costs, as it eliminates the need for physical branches and reduces the need for human staff to handle transactions.
AI & machine learning
AI and machine learning are also playing a significant role in the digitalisation of the financial services industry. Financial services companies are using these technologies to improve customer experience, streamline operations, and reduce risk. For example, they may use AI to personalise marketing campaigns, detect fraudulent activity, or automate certain processes. Machine learning algorithms can also be used to analyze customer data and identify patterns that can help financial services companies better understand their customers and optimise their marketing efforts.
Data analytics
Data analytics is another key aspect of digitalisation in the financial services industry. Financial services companies are using data analytics to better understand their customers and optimise their marketing efforts. This may involve using customer data to segment audiences, deliver targeted messages, and measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Data analytics can also be used to identify trends and patterns in customer behaviour that can help financial services companies improve their products and services.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology is also starting to be used in the financial services industry as a way to improve security, reduce costs, and increase transparency in financial transactions. Blockchain is a decentralised digital ledger that records transactions in a secure and transparent manner. This makes it difficult for transactions to be altered or fraudulently manipulated, and it also reduces the need for intermediaries, such as banks, to facilitate transactions. This can help financial services companies to streamline their operations and reduce costs.
IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is another technology that is starting to be used in the financial services industry. IoT refers to the use of connected devices and sensors to gather data and improve the customer experience. For example, financial services companies may use IoT technologies to monitor customer accounts and alert them to unusual activity, or to gather data on customer spending habits and offer personalised recommendations.
Conclusion
In summary, digitalisation is transforming the financial services industry by making it more convenient, accessible, and efficient for customers. It is also helping financial services companies to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. However, digitalization also presents challenges, such as the need to ensure the security and privacy of customer data, and the need to comply with regulatory requirements. Financial services companies must carefully balance the benefits and challenges of digitalisation in order to succeed in the digital age.