Industry insights

The financial industry has undergone a pretty radical transformation in the last decade, with mobile banking becoming a primary interface between banks and their customers. As highlighted by recent research from Branch, the mobile app industry has been seeing significant growth during the past several years and this trend extends to the financial sector.

Have you ever been in a meeting or conference, nodding along as industry experts toss around terms and abbreviations that sound like a foreign language? It can feel overwhelming, especially in the financial world, where terms and slang evolves fast.

Banks have good reasons to encourage customers to use their mobile apps more often. First, it helps them make more money by offering products and services directly in the app. Second, it improves the customer experience - for example, by showing clearer payment information - and helps the bank work more efficiently.

Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), initially designed as a universal standard for categorising transactions, have long been the baseline for transaction classification in banking. However, their limitations have created challenges that resonate across banking operations, customer experience, and sustainability initiatives.

This gathering of experts and professionals not only provided a valuable opportunity for us to learn about the latest trends and developments within the industry but most importantly, our Head of Partnerships, Simon Koci, had a chance to host and moderate a panel discussion on the topic of Cooperation Between Banks and Fintechs.

User experience (UX) today goes beyond a nice-looking interface or a conveniently usable application; it is about making data actionable, intuitive, and applicable in whatever interaction is made by the user.

Digital banking has advanced considerably, but like in any other industry, many myths and misconceptions are floating around. These often cloud understanding and limit the adoption of new technologies and ways to level up digital banking.

Maintaining customer loyalty has always been and should always be a key priority for financial institutions. With many banks offering similar services and rates, it is imperative to differentiate yourself by creating a unique and satisfying experience tailored to your customers.

Today, the financial world is all about mobile-first convenience. Opening a new account has never been easier. Yet, while an efficient account-opening process gets your foot in the door, it doesn't guarantee a meaningful and, most importantly, long-lasting relationship. The real challenge lies in ensuring that new customers don’t just open an account and fade into inactivity but instead evolve into loyal, profitable clients.

I’m Ondřej Machač, a FinTech enthusiast with a passion for pushing the boundaries of financial technology. I currently manage over 15 bank accounts across the EU, constantly testing them to stay on top of the latest trends in banking and fintech. I regularly share my insights in Fintree, the largest FinTech magazine in the Czech Republic, which I founded. Additionally, I work at Roger, one of the largest Czech fintech companies, which closely collaborates with banks.

User experience (UX) in digital banking isn't merely about good aesthetics. It's deeply rooted in science and psychology, governed by established laws that guide user interactions and decision-making. Here are 11 key UX laws, explained with examples relevant to digital banking applications.

For almost any app in the modern digital age, app store reviews are key to success. They serve as a public measure of your app’s quality and can significantly impact user acquisition and retention. Digital banking is no different. According to a survey by Alchemer, 77% of consumers read at least one review before downloading a free app, and 80% of users will not download an app if they see negative reviews about its performance.

Switching banks is more common than one might think. According to a satisfaction survey conducted by J.D. Power, nearly 13% of consumers are expected to switch their primary bank this year. The most common reasons for this shift include high fees, poor customer service, lack of convenient digital banking features, and better offers from competitors. Is there a way to be a part of the client's life journey indefinitely? Let's find out.

Travelling is becoming more popular and digital each year. According to a recent UNWTO survey, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) increased by 5% in 2023, reaching 1.4 billion travellers globally. As travel becomes more active, the role of digital banking is evolving accordingly to meet the needs of modern explorers. From seamless transactions to personalised financial services, digital banking is pushing the travel experience to a new level.

Following the updates to the AI Act, it’s essential for banks to ensure their AI systems comply with these new regulations. This guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, making it straightforward for digital banking experts to follow and ensure compliance.

Automated Teller Machines have evolved significantly since their introduction in the 1960s. Initially designed to dispense cash outside banking hours, ATMs now offer a range of services, from depositing checks to transferring money between accounts. Today, there are over 3.5 million ATMs worldwide that are visited by users on average at least 8-10 times a month. Even cryptocurrency ATMs are on the rise, with more than 39 000 used worldwide.

With the implementation of the EU AI Act providing a regulatory framework for ethical and responsible AI adoption, banks and financial institutions are starting to pay close attention. What exactly is AI used for in modern banking? Let's dive into different use cases and what it means for banks.

For the past several years, AI has captured the attention of many industries, including finance and banking, where it’s been helping institutions to automate many important services and solutions. In the meantime, the European Union has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of the EU AI Act.What exactly is the EU AI Act, and why does it matter? In this article, we'll introduce the basics to provide you with a comprehensive understanding before we explore its implications in more detail and check the AI readiness of the banking sector. According to Arizent survey, 56% of users would welcome the help ofAI in their financial recommendation services while 48% see it as a tool for evaluating credit or loan applications.