The opportunities in these markets (we estimate that over
the next five years, bank credit to the private sector in our
11 RGMs will grow by more than US$1.5t) are attracting
new entrants to the banking sector. These competitors are
beginning to lure the most profitable customers away
from incumbents with their broader reach or more
specialized capabilities.
Banks must also grapple with cost pressures. Funding costs are
rising; minimum wage increases and staff shortages are driving
up labor costs, and banks need to invest more in technology
as they seek to improve their business efficiency and provide
customers with better service.
In response to these pressures, we see banks focusing on
three areas: