Banking has seen a resurgence since the 2008 financial crisis. Although the rebound has been stronger in some regions and businesses than others, revenue pools are robust and growing, and returns on equity have improved. However, the industry has entered an era of change that will test banks for much of the next decade.
Shifts in Market Share and the Rise of Digital Giants
The competitive agenda will likely be set by banks that are already strong and able to use their superior scale and digital capabilities to take market share from vulnerable peers. But banks must steel themselves for competition from a new source: digital giants that will take aim at some of the industry’s most attractive profit pools. The disruption could be far greater than that created by fintechs.
The Imperative for CEOs
Bank CEOs need a bold action plan. They must set forth a comprehensive digital transformation in place of the incremental, disjointed initiatives common at many banks today. Elements of the transformation should include rationalizing business portfolios, building scale in advantaged businesses, and digitizing end-to-end customer journeys. Banks also need to develop agile ways of working, attract top digital and analytical talent, and simplify their technology and data environments.