5 Ways Banks Can Keep Up With Consumer’s Digital Demands

As technology progresses, more financial institutions will face scrutiny from consumers seeking features powered by advanced digital banking platforms.

Consumers are actively searching for banks that value them by giving them remote, customized experiences. Many banks have seen record growth in digital banking usage in recent years, according to a Deloitte Insights report. While this might create a challenge to many financial institutions, it can also be an opportunity to further build relationships with consumers. Below are five things banks should do to proactively respond to customers’ digital needs in their next stage of growth.

1. Analyze Consumer Data
Gaining real-time insights from consumer data is one way banks can start improving customer experiences. Analyzing data allows banks to see how, when and where consumers are spending their money. This data is a gold mine for creating custom approaches for individuals or recommending products that a consumer could benefit from. This electronic trail of customer information can ultimately lead to more personalized financial strategies, better security features and more accurate insights as to what digital banking features will be needed in the future.

2. Humanize The Digital Experience
Financial Institutions are being given a chance to humanize their digital banking platforms. Banks can build and strengthen relationships with their consumers by customizing their mobile experience – right down to the individual. Listening to feedback and valuing a customer’s experiences can create productive and useful relationships. It is important to take a customer-centric approach, whether in-person or through digital platforms. Financial institutions can use consumer purchase history to create custom reward offerings – like 10% off at their favorite coffee shop or rewards on every purchase – that lay the foundation for a bespoke, valuable experience.

3. Understand Digital Trends
According to Forbes, 95% of executives say they are looking for new ways to engage their customers. Financial institutions that remain complacent and tied to their legacy systems can expect to fall behind their competitors if they do not keep up with advancing digital trends. Consumers increasingly shop around and compare account offerings and benefits; they are choosing customizable, digital solutions. Banks that don’t, or refuse to, keep up with digital trends will lose these relationships. As technology expands, so do the needs of consumers -it is up to banks to keep up with those needs.

4. Utilize Advance Card Features
Technology’s rapid advancement means that the digital features that banks can take advantage of have also advanced. Consumers want features that correspond with their everyday financial management strategies and spending. Virtual cards with state-of-the-art security features are just one of the many digital solutions available to banks. Adjustable settings, like the ability to block and unblock merchants, create family hubs, set spending limits for individuals and family members, are just a few of the ways that banks can differentiate their card programs.

5. Keep Evolving
Many banks use legacy systems that are outdated, expensive and difficult to uproot. This technology strategy holds them back from being on a level playing field with their competitors. However, partnering with fintechs that can integrate with their current systems is one way that banks can keep up with digital trends – without the upfront cost of installing an entirely new system.

According to a FICO study, 70% of U.S. bank customers report that they would be “likely” or “very likely” to open an account at a competing provider if that provider offered services that addressed their unmet needs. Today, consumers do not just prefer digital banking: They expect it. Banks that cannot provide their consumers with customizable digital options are at a disadvantage.