UK research shows clear and robust digital strategies are key to future bank success and growth

To help financial services providers ensure their customers can access their money via any channel and device at all times, Intelligent Environments has teamed up with global business technology solutions and managed services provider, Avanade, to build the capabilities to meet the expectations of today’s digitally–savvy financial services consumers.

According to a survey of 2,000 UK consumers, the vast majority (97 per cent) of digital banking customers not only expect to have instant visibility of their finances at any given time, but over half (57 per cent) expect to be able to access their money from any device, including smartphones, tablets, Smart TV and wearable technology such as smartwatches. Clear and robust digital strategies are key to future bank success and growth.

The solutions offered by Intelligent Environments and Avanade include digital health checks, specialist programming to integrate mobile and online platforms with legacy back office systems and a single point solution for omni-channel money management. As well as enabling providers to streamline operations and reduce the total cost of ownership, it means customers can quickly and reliably manage their money from any device and enjoy the same seamless user experience.

Jerry Mulle, head of strategic partnerships at Intelligent Environments, commented: “It is vital that financial services providers ensure all customer facing systems are robust, up to date and offer a seamless user experience across all channels. Having the right technology and tight integration between the front and back office systems can mean the difference between an excellent customer experience and a poor one.

“Many financial services providers are on a drive to improve their systems with new technology, but with new mobile phones and wearable technology being launched on a daily basis, providers need to act now to ensure their systems are integrated, secure, reliable and usable across all platforms and devices. If not, they run the risk of losing customers to more digitally savvy rivals.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Avanade, who have a strong pedigree of delivering IT solutions in the financial services sector, to work together to deliver tangible business outcomes for our customers.”

Nic Merriman, CTO of financial services at Avanade UK, added: “Customers are at the heart of everything we do at Avanade and a good banking experience can build customer loyalty. It is about providing a seamless customer service and that’s why we are working closely with Intelligent Environments. Together, we are listening to financial services providers and implementing solutions to ensure their customers’ money is easily accessible at all times via mobile and online services.”