What is the Next Phase of Digital Banking?
Digital banking has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from a convenient add-on to traditional banking to becoming the primary means through which many individuals and businesses manage their finances. As we explore the next phase of digital banking, it’s essential to recognize the profound changes that have already occurred and explore the exciting developments on the horizon. In this article, we will examine the key trends and statistics that define this new era of digital banking.
- The Current Landscape: Digital banking’s current landscape is marked by exponential growth and innovation. According to the World Retail Banking Report 2021, the adoption of digital banking channels increased by 25% globally in 2020, with a staggering 59% of banking interactions occurring through digital channels. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for the adoption of digital banking, as customers sought contactless and remote banking options.
- Mobile Banking Dominance: Mobile banking applications have become the heart of digital banking, with customers using them for everything from checking balances to making investments. Statista reports that in 2021, there were approximately 3.6 billion mobile banking app users worldwide, a number projected to reach 4.6 billion by 2026.
- Rise of Neobanks: Neobanks, also known as digital-only banks, are disrupting traditional banking models. They offer a completely digital, customer-centric experience with low fees and innovative features. As of 2021, the global neobank market was valued at $18.6 billion, and this figure is expected to triple by 2026, according to Allied Market Research.
- Fintech Partnerships: Established banks are increasingly partnering with fintech companies to enhance their digital offerings. In 2020, 61% of banks had a fintech partnership, up from 34% in 2016, as revealed by the PwC Global Digital Banking Survey. These collaborations enable banks to leverage fintech’s technology and agility to meet evolving customer expectations.
- Artificial Intelligence and Personalization: Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a pivotal role in the next phase of digital banking. AI-driven chatbots, predictive analytics, and personalised financial advice are becoming standard features. Juniper Research predicts that AI-driven banking will save banks approximately $447 billion by 2023.
- Security and Regulatory Challenges: As digital banking expands, so do security concerns. Cyberattacks on financial institutions are on the rise. A report by Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that cybercrime costs will reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015. Regulatory bodies are responding with stricter cybersecurity and data protection regulations.
- Decentralised Finance (DeFi): The emergence of DeFi platforms is pushing the boundaries of traditional banking. DeFi offers decentralised lending, borrowing, and trading of assets on blockchain networks, and its total value locked (TVL) exceeded $160 billion in 2021, according to DeFi Pulse. This disruptive technology challenges traditional banks to adapt to decentralised financial services.
The next phase of digital banking is marked by rapid evolution and adaptation to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers and businesses. Mobile banking, neobanks, fintech partnerships, AI, and DeFi are all reshaping the financial landscape. However, with these opportunities come security challenges and regulatory considerations that the industry must address. As digital banking continues to transform, financial institutions that embrace innovation while ensuring security and compliance will be best positioned to thrive in this exciting new era.
