Introduction:

Digitization is forcing organizations to re-design their business models and adapt to the new paradigms. The most interesting fact about this is, that this shift is being driven by customer experience.

The DNA of Customer-centricity

Today, CX drives SX – that’s “Customer Centricity driving Strategy” for the uninitiated!

In the more recent times, customer preference has found a new expression – the digital channel! So, right from the choice of device, choice of channel, the type of operating system, the navigation pattern, the buttons clicked or not clicked, the type of transactions done or not done, the offer checked or dropped, transactions that went through or did not etc. reveals more about the customer needs, wants and preferences at the specific point in time and context, than your average customer service manager possibly could.

Businesses are clinging onto digital channels to ‘understand’ their customers from a whole new dimension and be able to deliver a banking experience, customized for each customer.

It is no coincidence that putting the customer first is already the tour de force of many an organizations’ journey to success.

The Banking Transformation!

Banking is changing rapidly, and so are the customers. A digital element is providing enormous opportunities for improving efficiency, enhancing experience and optimizing processes, thereby delivering convenience along with access, safety and speed.

Many the world’s biggest financial institutions have embraced technology and are continuously innovating in order to get ‘closer’ to the customers.

Rapid technological advances, availability round-the-clock, and digitalization is revolutionizing customer experience and guiding buying behaviour. Banks are racing to introduce further innovation in customer engagement through social media, customized apps, cross-channel partnerships and what not. Most of the banks today consider them as a fintech with a banking license and why not? With Digital and technology at the core of their products and offerings, omni-channel experience, these institutions are going after a larger share of the customer’s wallet. Good news for the customer? Most certainly! In return, customers can expect absolutely bespoke offerings, doorstep/self-service, a wider choice of products, lower cost of acquisition, offers and rewards, and an experience as cathartic and at par with shopping.

The challenge

A key challenge for banks is dealing with the levels of digital literacy and experience in handling financial transactions through digital channels. However, this is changing fast as our digital ecosystem is evolving. As per reports, in Q3 FY-20, the total volume of UPI transactions was 2.7 Billion and in terms of value, UPI clocked INR 4.6 Trillion, up 189% from Q3 FY 2019.

Capgemini’s World Retail Banking Report 2018 found that majority of the banks still need to improve customers experience and sharpen their capacity to remain relevant. Most Banks understand that and are making a significant investment in many areas of digital, including User Experience (UX) of their applications to make them more intuitive and easier to navigate.

The significance of digital channels rises significantly when it comes to Gen-Y and tech-savvy customers. Banks need to understand that customers expect a simple and seamless digital experience and, if banks fail to provide it, they may well lose these customers to a digital disruptor. Albeit, banks are moving from brick-and-mortar to digital, a branch/brick and mortar unit remains a necessary evil – firstly, as a point of contact when required and secondly, as a representation of being trustworthy and not a fly-by-night operator!

Banks should focus on the right physical and digital mix

Improving the customer journey and investing in technology

The way in which banks build and maintain customer relationships is evolving. With the current wave of digital disruption, with competition not only from banks but other service providers, banks need to adapt to the changes rapidly and build an internal culture of ‘making banking smarter through customer engagement and experience’.

Trust, technology and transparency are levers available to a service provider in order to build a lifetime of customer relationship.

In the technology domain, Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics are powering banks to understand clients better, there are Chatbots that are aiding in customer support and handling transactions, money transfer, suggestions on products and services.

Of course, technology is an enabler and banks still need to apply technology, all it can, in order to deliver a befitting value proposition to its customers. Money can buy the technology but having a satisfied and repeat customer takes much more!

Conclusion In the future, ‘Banks’ will go fast but ‘Banking’ will, ahem, grow-fast! The financial services sector, especially banking, has a phenomenal opportunity to redefine banking and build a lifetime of customer relationships over the lifecycle of customer needs! Digital is a transformative way of banking and banks need to adapt and adopt digital or be left out of the circle of relevance of the customer in the future.

Disclaimer: The contents of this document are meant merely for information purposes. The information contained herein is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification, and amendment and the same may change materially. The information provided herein is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would (by reason of that person‘s nationality, residence or otherwise) be contrary to law or regulation or would subject Fincare Small Finance Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. This document is not an offer, invitation, or solicitation of any kind to buy or sell any security and is not intended to create any rights or obligations. Nothing in this document is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice, or opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, or a solicitation for any product or service. Please obtain professional legal, tax and other investment advice before making any investment. Any investment decisions that may be made by you shall be at your sole discretion, independent analysis and at your own evaluation of the risks involved. The use of any information set out in this document is entirely at the recipient’s own risk. Fincare Small Finance Bank does not accept any responsibility for any errors whether caused by negligence or otherwise or for any loss or damage incurred by anyone in reliance on anything set out in this document. The information set out in this document has been prepared by Fincare Small Finance Bank based upon projections which have been determined in good faith and sources considered reliable by the Bank. Misuse of any intellectual property, or any other content displayed herein is strictly prohibited.