Ever since I started working in the banking space – and that is, despite my young looks, quite a while ago – customer relationship management has been the holy grail for many a customer or prospect. Remember that period around the dotcom crash when everyone was implementing the latest CRM system? I can’t even remember the name of those companies now!
When new technology gets launched we always think about how it will replace existing technology. Take Near Field Communication (NFC) chips for example and the replacement of bank cards by mobile phones with NFC chips.
How will that work?
Well, you walk around the shop, pick up the items you want to purchase, go to the cashier, they scan the items and the till totals it up. You take out your phone and tap it on the Barclaycard branded NFC terminal and the transaction is completed.
Right?
Wrong!
Continue reading
Too much turkey? Too much eggnog? Yes, indeed, it was that time of the year again. 2010 is behind us, so what will 2011 bring us? Is it going to be the year of mobile? Is it going to be the year of the cloud?
Well, let’s fast forward to 2011 and find out thanks to these short newsflashes …
Continue reading
It’s that time of the year again. The time for optimistic New Year’s resolutions. Don’t worry, I won’t have you commit on going back to the gym. No, we’ll keep it simple. So here we go, read this out aloud – again and again:
Continue reading
Saab, yes, the car company, has seen quite a bit of turmoil over the last few years. First, there was the takeover by GM and then more recently the sale to Spyker, a Dutch sports car manufacturer. Then, lately there was an announcement that for their new 9-3 model they will be using BMW engines. Now, being a long-term Saab driver, I was quite shocked.
Continue reading
Ovum’s recent report, ‘A Change for Good in Core Banking Systems’, is an interesting read. It suggests that banks’ core systems will assume greater prominence from 2010 as they continue to adjust to the altered competitive landscape and a revised set of priorities. For me, this report hits the nail on the head, particularly given the new entrants to the banking space. With Tesco Bank working under the banner of “every little helps” and Metro Bank going all out to woo consumers with everything from penny counters and dog bowls in their stores, the new entrants are significantly challenging traditional banks.
Continue reading
A while ago, I skimmed over a news update mentioning that the Financial Services Authority (FSA) planned to shake up its complaints handling rules after revealing that more than 7,000 gripes against retail banks are lodged every day.
Whilst on holiday in Newquay last week, this did cross my mind again. It’s one of those places where, when visiting off-season, you suddenly feel young again. Not sure if it’s to do with the sea air or if it’s because the average age of the punters there is about 25 years higher than yours truly.
Continue reading