The banking industry appears to be at a turning point in the post-crisis era. Even though there is considerable uncertainty around regulatory impact and economic growth, there are a number of positive signs that banks are now ready to pick up their pace in pursuit of growth.
In 2014, banks are likely to continue sharpening their strategic focus while concentrating efforts in areas where they believe they have the best chance of boosting return on capital. To compete more effectively and to offset rising compliance pressures, small and midsized institutions will likely seek scale through M&A.
Recognizing the customer experience as likely the most fertile ground for differentiation, banks may leverage technology to improve their value proposition in new ways. Innovation is likely to be extended to new frontiers, with quicker progress towards a unified digital and branch experience.
The industry as whole should become better acclimated to regulatory scrutiny, even though this pressure is unlikely to dissipate in 2014. Risk management systems and compliance infrastructures will be enhanced, but not at the expense of business growth and investment elsewhere