Financial services providers must redefine business models to survive
QUEBEC CITY, Oct. 9, 2014 /CNW/ - Five significant and interrelated forces are in the midst of transforming the financial services industry, according to EY's Global banking outlook 2014-15. EY warns that, collectively, these forces threaten a number of the traditional competitive advantages co-ops have held over banks.
"Co-ops were founded on a member-centric culture," says Paul Battista, EY's Canadian Financial Services Advisory leader. "But to survive – and thrive – in the face of things like new regulations, changing customer expectations and disruptive technology, they must respond with strategies that address key dimensions of their businesses."
The five forces EY identifies as threatening to co-ops' competitive advantage include:
- Regulation: global and local
- Customer: demands and expectations
- Technology and innovation: enabler, differentiator, disruptor
- Competition: old and new
- Society: politicians, citizens, activists
In a presentation at the International Summit of cooperatives 2014, EY outlined how co-ops are redefining their business models to address these transformative forces.
"Getting member interactions right is critical," explains Battista. "Retail customers across the board are demanding greater transparency, personalized products and seamless transition between channels."
According to EY, by harnessing a digital-first strategy, co-ops can enable members to personalize when, how and where they bank.
"Digital is quickly becoming the primary service channel and a key component of an omni-channel strategy for financial institutions," says Battista. "At the same time, branches are focusing more on complex advice and sales."
Especially in the face of increased competition, Battista says targeting defined member segments can enhance a co-op's competitive position and offer comparatively better revenue growth opportunities.
"We're already seeing dramatic changes in the financial services landscape," adds Battista. "To stay competitive, co-ops must recommit to their member-centric culture, and invest in an integrated, dynamic plan for both digital and physical channels, informed by comprehensive analytics of member preferences."
EY is a platinum level sponsor of International Summit of Cooperatives, a biennial gathering where leaders of cooperative and mutualist enterprises get together to discuss their concerns about the current and future business challenges they all share.
About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
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SOURCE: EY (Ernst & Young)
Erika Bennett, [email protected], 416 943 5497; Sarah Shields, [email protected], 604 648 3607; Julie Fournier, [email protected], 514 874 4308
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