Introduction

In collaboration with analysts from Datamonitor's Financial Services business unit, in this brief Ovum's Financial Services Technology team outlines the key changes in the retail banking industry, explains which trends will have the biggest impact, and analyses the implications and opportunities of these developments for both retail banks and providers of technologies and services.

Scope

*This brief outlines business issues and technology enablers that are expected to affect the retail banking industry during 2010.

*The report covers developments in North American and European retail banking.

Highlights

Having endured a torrid 2009, the retail banking sector will continue to be impacted by several significant business issues during 2010.

In order to address the aforementioned issues, Ovum believes technology plays a fundamental role in helping retail banks make significant progress on the road to recovery during 2010.

Reasons to Purchase

*Understand the key operational trends to watch during 2010.

*Gain insight into the technologies that retail banks must either invest in or extract more value from in the post-financial crisis world.

Overview 2
CATALYST 2
SUMMARY 2
OVUM VIEW 3
analysis 4
BUSINESS TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGY ENABLERS 4
THE RETAIL BANKING SECTOR WILL REMAIN UNDER GOVERNMENT SCRUTINY 5
In 2010, retail banks will feel the direct effects of political intervention 5
WEAK GDP GROWTH WILL HAMPER THE RECOVERY OF RETAIL BANKS IN 2010 6
Governments will continue to provide fiscal stimulus packages during 2010 6
Despite the IMF raising its 2010 forecast, growth will remain weak by historic standards 7
SEVERAL MAJOR INSTITUTIONS WILL BE FORCED TO BREAK-UP DURING 2010 7
Structural separation activities and asset disposals will continue during 2010 7
Additional industry consolidation will continue by means of mergers and acquisitions 8
NEW BANKS WILL APPEAR IN 2010, BUT REALITY WON'T MATCH THE HYPE 8
New entrants to retail banking could potentially disrupt the industry status quo 8
In reality, new banks are already too late to capitalise on opportunities in the market 9
A MASS EXODUS WILL NOT OCCUR, BUT SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS ARE VITAL 9
ACTIONS 10
TECHNOLOGY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INSTITUTIONS IN THE RETAIL BANKING SECTOR 10
Better decision-making and risk management demands renewed focus on key technologies 10
Retail banks must not lose sight of the importance of delivering an excellent experience 11
Continuing consideration should be given to additional IT outsourcing opportunities 12
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROVIDERS OF TECHNOLOGIES AND SERVICES 12
Providers should articulate their value in improving decision-making and risk management 12
Demonstrating a flexible, innovative approach to reduce total cost of ownership is essential 13
Provision of technologies and services to new entrants offers fresh, if limited, opportunities 13
APPENDIX 15
METHODOLOGY 15
FURTHER READING 15
LEAD AUTHOR 15
CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS 15
OVUM CONSULTING 15
DISCLAIMER 15