Finance and Banking

Global economic stability, growing prosperity and savings in Asia, strong corporate profits and low inflation are contributing to a steady supply of cash looking for a good home. However, the rising tide of capital is not lifting all boats equally in the financial services industry.

In retail and commercial services including banking, lending and investment management, firms are competing intensely for share in a rapidly globalizing market. A key factor that differentiates the leaders is their ability to attract and retain customers through marketing innovation. Examples include micro-segmentation, mass customization, loyalty programs, and Internet banking. Another characteristic of market leaders is selective outsourcing and offshoring of their back office capabilities to enhance operational strength and offer customers consistently reliable and secure transactional services. Firms that follow this path today will earn the right to administer more private and commercial capital, fuelling superior performance in the years to come.

Meanwhile, institutional investors and their service providers are enjoying strong growth and superior returns driven by sophisticated investment vehicles. However, this success comes at the price of added risk at a time of increasing regulation, shareholder activism and the ever-present possibility of a capital market downturn. The next generation of industry leaders will be those who use risk strategically and implement effective controls while maximizing the efficient use of capital. To get there, they will need to effect fundamental change in how their organizations measure and analyze risk, make and execute investment decisions, and develop their workforce.

We have worked with our clients on a range of engagements including business model redesign and strategic partnerships, marketing effectiveness, operational efficiency, and risk management. The underlying drive is to align business strategy and operations to provide sustained growth and profitability.