In recent years, the financial services industry has undergone significant changes driven by the rapid advancement of technology and evolving customer expectations.
The increasing need for efficiency, security, and seamless user experiences has opened many opportunities to deliver emerging software solutions.
“As financial institutions navigate the ever-changing market, adopting innovative software solutions has become critical in maintaining competitiveness and meeting the demands of the modern banking world,” states Matt Tengwall, who is vice president and general manager of security solutions at Verint Systems, a software technology company based in Melville, New York.
He argued that the pandemic drove a shift to digital banking, and customers now expect round-the-clock access to all types of services. This puts enormous pressure on the digital infrastructure of financial institutions.
“To meet expectations and keep pace with competitors, banks require software solutions that enhance customer engagement, increase security, and streamline operations,” Tengwall said.
He stressed that the evolution of cloud technology plays a pivotal role in transforming the services banks deliver to their clients and the way in which they deliver them.
“Shifting functionalities to the cloud can provide financial institutions with greater flexibility and scalability while saving costs.”
– Matt Tengwall
Cloud-based solutions allow banks to manage data more efficiently and foster collaboration, Tengwall added.
“The cloud can also be a catalyst for the addition of advanced technologies like AI and machine learning, which can enhance decision-making and customer interactions.”
Banks can grow their operations with cloud systems in response to demands without upfront infrastructure expenses, Tengwall observed.
“This flexibility allows institutions to develop new services and respond to market changes quickly,” he said, writing in a recent analysis that cloud systems also offer reliable disaster recovery alternatives, ensuring continuity during unseen disruptions.
Moreover, using cloud-based solutions helps banks comply with regulations by improving data management and simplifying audits.
Security considerations
For financial institutions, security must be a significant priority.
“Strong security measures are more crucial than ever due to increased cyber threats like ransomware and phishing and physical security risks like ATM thefts and branch robberies,” Tengwall stressed.
He singled out protecting client information, infrastructure, employees, and customers requires software solutions that offer automatic responses, threat detection, and real-time monitoring.
“Modern security software, like AI-enabled networked video management, can recognise and mitigate threats before they make an impact on operations,” Tengwall noted.
He highlighted that video analytics help automate the identification of suspicious activities, such as attempts to break into ATMs or loitering in an ATM vestibule.
“Financial institutions should test and use these technologies to proactively safeguard their facilities against threats.”
Regulation
Complying with regulations is another key challenge for banks. The regulatory landscape is complex and constantly evolving, requiring significant resources to ensure compliance.
“Technology can help stakeholders navigate this complex landscape by streamlining operations and enhancing performance,” Tengwall said.
“Advanced compliance software can automate regulatory reporting, track regulation changes, and ensure all processes adhere to the latest standards.”
He pointed out that these solutions lower the risk of noncompliance while freeing up resources for other critical tasks, allowing banks to focus on their core operations and strategic goals.
“By reducing the manual effort involved in compliance, financial institutions can allocate more resources to innovation and customer service.”
Leveraging analytics
Tengwall was keen to stress that, in the era of modern technology, financial institutions must maintain adaptability.
“The Internet of Things can potentially change how financial services operate. loT devices offer real-time data on consumer behaviour, allowing banks to provide more tailored services,” he shared.
“The use of AI in financial services has the potential to transform bank operations completely.”
Banks may use AI-driven software to analyse immense amounts of data in order to identify and combat fraud, foresee customer demands, enhance customer satisfaction, and automate complex decision-making procedures.
“Providing more precise and timely service boosts productivity and enhances every aspect of the client experience. Modern financial services are increasingly looking to rely on advanced analytics,” Tengwall remarked.
He added that by using big data and predictive analytics, financial institutions may gain more insight into consumer behaviour, market trends, and operational effectiveness.
“This enables banks to discover more opportunities, boost revenue, reduce loss, and tailor their services to the needs of their customers,” Tengwall explained.
Moreover, cloud technology also facilitates the integration of IoT devices by providing a reliable infrastructure to manage the vast amounts of data established, which provides improved analytics and insights, which boosts customer service and operational efficiency.
In addition, “cloud-based platforms enable ongoing updates and scalability, allowing financial institutions to respond swiftly to changing market conditions and regulatory requirements,” he said.
In summary, Tengwall strongly believes the financial services industry is “at a turning point, creating a significant opportunity to provide software solutions essential to automating and modernising the banking environment.”
He said these solutions help financial institutions manage risks, improve security, and keep up with changing regulations.
“Banks can effectively tackle challenges by embracing digital transformation and adapting to new technologies. Investing in the right software is crucial for staying competitive, meeting customer expectations, and thriving in a rapidly evolving digital landscape,” Tengwall concluded.
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