{"id":56930,"date":"2025-01-27T14:44:27","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T14:44:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newonclusivstg.wpengine.com\/?p=56930"},"modified":"2025-08-29T15:41:32","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T15:41:32","slug":"bank-technology-trends-shaping-financial-services-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/resources\/blog\/bank-technology-trends-shaping-financial-services-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Bank Technology Trends Shaping the Future of Financial Services"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section\n    class=\"block-pcon\">\n\n      \n\t\t\t<div class=\"post_content--wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post_content--copy_with_image  \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post_content--copy_with_image-inner-wrapper\">\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"post_content-copy-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our comprehensive analysis of social media conversations and mainstream media coverage about the banking industry, reveals a fascinating paradox in modern banking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banks are investing billions in advanced technologies. Yet customers consistently express a preference for human interaction over digital solutions. This contradiction shapes how financial institutions approach technology transformation in 2025 and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Through extensive <\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/what-we-do\/monitoring\/social-listening\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">social listening<\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/what-we-do\/monitoring\/media-monitoring\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">media monitoring<\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we identified key banking technology trends driving industry discussions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI and Automation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Super App Banking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neobanking Evolution<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cloud and Core Modernisation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cybersecurity and Operational Resilience<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data Foundations and Governance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tech Talent Transformation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sustainable, ESG-Driven Innovation<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Blockchain in Banking<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Human Connection in Banking<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/resources\/whitepaper\/banking-media-trends-uncovered-industry-scan-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-56989\" src=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-19.png\" alt=\"bar graph showing most discussed topics about banking innovations on social media - core banking industry trends\" width=\"701\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-19.png 763w, https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-19-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-19-640x350.png 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 639px) 98vw, (max-width: 1199px) 64vw, 701px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\nSource: <a href=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/resources\/whitepaper\/banking-media-trends-uncovered-industry-scan-report\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Onclusive Banking Industry Scan<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interestingly, while blockchain technology generates the most discussion volume in our analysis, its practical impact has been more modest than anticipated. This disconnect between discussion and implementation highlights regulatory challenges, interoperability problems, and misaligned expectations about blockchain&#8217;s capabilities in banking.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><b>Key Takeaways \u2013 Banking Technology Trends<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>AI and automation are reshaping banking<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211;\u00a0 from fraud detection to customer service, AI is the single biggest technology driver in the industry.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Super apps are redefining customer expectations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, combining financial services with lifestyle features in one platform.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Neobanks continue to disrupt<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, offering digital-first experiences, though profitability and customer trust remain challenges.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Blockchain generates more buzz than adoption<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with banks still cautious about large-scale implementation.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cybersecurity is a top priority<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as rising digital adoption increases the risk of fraud and data breaches.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cloud and core modernisation are accelerating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, helping banks move away from inflexible legacy systems.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ESG and sustainability are now central<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with banks adopting technology to support green finance and transparent reporting.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The human connection remains critical<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as customers still expect personal support alongside digital services.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b><br \/>\n1. AI and Automation: The New Brain of Banking<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI is the single biggest change in bank technology trends today. Banks are deploying AI for fraud detection, customer service, and process automation, making it one of the most transformative forces in the industry. From chatbots that improve customer experience to advanced machine learning models detecting anomalies in real time, AI is already reshaping how banks operate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banks are also moving beyond small pilots and beginning to embed AI into enterprise-wide strategies. According to <\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.deloitte.com\/us\/en\/insights\/industry\/financial-services\/financial-services-industry-outlooks\/banking-industry-outlook.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deloitte<\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, more than three-quarters of banks plan to increase investments in data management and cloud consumption to advance their generative AI initiatives. This highlights the urgency for institutions to scale their AI capabilities rather than experiment in silos.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The opportunity is enormous, but it requires cultural and organisational change. <\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/industries\/financial-services\/our-insights\/extracting-value-from-ai-in-banking-rewiring-the-enterprise?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">McKinsey<\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> argues that banks must become \u201cAI-first institutions,\u201d embedding AI across the enterprise rather than experimenting with isolated use cases. Only then can they unlock meaningful improvements in productivity, efficiency, and customer experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For banks, the message is clear: AI is no longer optional,\u00a0 it\u2019s a competitive necessity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generative AI Changes Everything<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among the most significant bank technology trends are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">smart AI systems that outperform traditional rule-based programs.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They can understand and create content like humans do.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BBVA built a GPT Store with over 2,900 custom tools. This shows how banks can use AI across their entire business.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">JPMorgan Chase created the &#8216;LLM Suite&#8217; for data analysis and market predictions. They also built IndexGPT to help customers analyze financial markets. The system processes huge amounts of market data and research reports.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Morgan Stanley uses AI to help financial advisors find research for clients quickly. This makes complex financial information easier to understand.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Barclays and NatWest invested heavily in AI governance. They created special committees to oversee AI use safely. This shows how important proper AI management is.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI in Back Office Operations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Goldman Sachs uses AI to review documents automatically. This work used to take lawyers many hours. Now AI does it in minutes. And <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deutsche Bank focuses on operational efficiency. Their AI systems process trade finance documents automatically. Processing time dropped from hours to minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_56996\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-56996\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-56996 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-21.png\" alt=\"screenshot showing onclusive's AI in brief functionality summarising that AI is a top banking industry trend\" width=\"1024\" height=\"548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-21.png 1024w, https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-21-300x161.png 300w, https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-21-768x411.png 768w, https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-21-640x343.png 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 639px) 98vw, (max-width: 1199px) 64vw, 770px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-56996\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">An example of Gen AI trends in the banking sector, detected and synthesized by In Brief, an innovative feature of <a href=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/what-we-do\/monitoring\/social-listening\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Onclusive Social<\/a>, powered by AI Sense.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><b>2. Super Apps: One Platform for Every Need<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern banking technology lets banks serve millions of customers with personalized experiences. Our social listening analysis shows customers want banking integrated into their daily activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Super App Banking: One App for Everything<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traditional banking apps only do financial tasks. Super apps do much more. Users can message friends, order food, and transfer money all in one place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our analysis of social media shows Cash App, Revolut, and Grab lead<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/baufest.com\/en\/financial-super-apps-future-of-banking\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> super app banking discussions.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These platforms prove that combining services creates value for users.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WeChat started as a messaging app. Now over one billion users pay bills, book appointments, and manage money through it. This seamless integration is what traditional banks struggle to match.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_57004\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-57004\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/resources\/whitepaper\/banking-media-trends-uncovered-industry-scan-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-57004\" src=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-22.png\" alt=\"Bar graph showing share of voice of Top Super banking apps with paypal leading at 53.8% \" width=\"700\" height=\"418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-22.png 656w, https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-22-300x179.png 300w, https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-22-640x382.png 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 639px) 98vw, (max-width: 1199px) 64vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-57004\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Share of voice of Top Super App banking in English-language social media conversations. Q4 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Success Stories Around the World<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asian markets lead in super app development. Grab saw that many Southeast Asian users didn&#8217;t have bank accounts. So they created GrabPay to serve this market.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alipay grew from Alibaba&#8217;s shopping sites. Now it offers investments, insurance, and lifestyle services. It even has a credit scoring system called Sesame Credit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Latin America, Rappi started with food delivery. They then added financial services through RappiPay. This shows how apps must adapt to local markets and payment habits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Super apps see more than just transactions. They track shopping patterns, travel habits, and social interactions. This data helps them offer personalized services. For example, if you order food delivery often during work, they might offer a dining rewards credit card.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><b>3. Cloud and Core Modernisation: Building the Digital Backbone<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among the most significant bank technology trends is the move from outdated legacy systems to flexible, cloud-based platforms that enable speed, scale and innovation. Cloud technology has evolved from being a cost-saving tool to a strategic advantage, allowing banks to move faster, scale more efficiently and integrate seamlessly with fintech partners.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open banking initiatives are accelerating this transformation. By adopting API-first designs, banks are shifting from closed systems to open platforms where third-party developers can safely build new services. This creates new revenue streams and enables banks to expand beyond traditional channels through fintech partnerships.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rise of embedded finance takes this even further. Payments, loans and insurance are now integrated into shopping sites, ride-sharing apps and digital marketplaces. Banks are extending their reach into customers\u2019 daily lives, competing not just with other financial institutions but also with technology companies.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modernisation also means addressing decades-old infrastructure. Many banks still rely on core systems built in the 1970s, which consume 70 to 80 percent of IT budgets just to maintain. Today, banks are breaking these monolithic systems into modular microservices that can be updated independently. This allows for faster feature launches and lower risk when making changes.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions now handle functions from payments to regulatory reporting, offering cutting-edge features without the cost of internal development. Combined with multi-cloud strategies that prevent dependency on a single vendor, banks are optimising performance, resilience and compliance across geographies.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Together, cloud adoption and core modernisation form the digital backbone of the banking sector. They enable innovation, compliance and long-term competitiveness.\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><b>4. Cybersecurity: Defending Trust in a Digital World<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI is the single biggest change in banking technology today. Banks are deploying AI for fraud detection, customer service, and process automation, making it one of the most transformative forces in the industry. From chatbots that improve customer experience to advanced machine learning models detecting anomalies in real time, AI is already reshaping how banks operate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banks are also moving beyond small pilots and beginning to embed AI into enterprise-wide strategies. According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deloitte.com\/us\/en\/insights\/industry\/financial-services\/financial-services-industry-outlooks\/banking-industry-outlook.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deloitte<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, more than three-quarters of banks plan to increase investments in data management and cloud consumption to advance their generative AI initiatives. This highlights the urgency for institutions to scale their AI capabilities rather than experiment in silos.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The opportunity is enormous, but it requires cultural and organisational change. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/industries\/financial-services\/our-insights\/extracting-value-from-ai-in-banking-rewiring-the-enterprise?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">McKinsey<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> argues that banks must become \u201cAI-first institutions,\u201d embedding AI across the enterprise rather than experimenting with isolated use cases. Only then can they unlock meaningful improvements in productivity, efficiency, and customer experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For banks, the message is clear: AI is no longer optional,\u00a0 it\u2019s a competitive necessity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><b>5. Data Foundations: Building the Backbone of Banking AI<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good data quality supports all advanced banking technologies. Without reliable data, AI systems fail and regulatory compliance breaks down. This makes data management a critical priority for every bank.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern data platforms track information from start to finish. They monitor data quality automatically and fix problems before they affect business operations. Machine learning algorithms optimize data storage and processing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banks need &#8220;AI-ready&#8221; data to power their machine learning systems. This means data must be clean, complete, and easily accessible. Many banks struggle because their data sits in separate systems that don&#8217;t communicate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New techniques let banks analyze sensitive data without compromising customer privacy. Methods like differential privacy add mathematical &#8220;noise&#8221; to data sets. This protects individual privacy while still allowing useful analysis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><b><br \/>\n6. Tech Talent: The New Skills Banks Need<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banking transformation needs new skills that traditional structures can&#8217;t support. The industry faces a critical shortage of professionals who understand both banking and modern technology.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Training programs help existing employees learn digital skills while preserving their banking knowledge. Leading banks are adopting software engineering practices like continuous integration and automated testing to launch features quickly while maintaining security.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Partnerships with fintech companies and universities provide access to specialized knowledge. Many banks now embed technology experts within business teams rather than keeping them separate.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><b>7. ESG Innovation: Banking for a Sustainable Future<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ESG in banking refers to the integration of environmental, social, and governance principles into financial services, from green finance to transparent reporting.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real Sustainability Initiatives<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NatWest Group promised \u00a3100 billion in climate funding by 2025. They stopped lending to new coal projects. They also launched green mortgages with better rates for energy-efficient homes.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, NatWest faced criticism from farmers. Their app suggested reducing beef and dairy consumption to lower carbon footprints. This shows how sustainability efforts can create controversy.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bank of America committed $1 trillion by 2030 to support clean energy transition. This includes financing clean technology companies and creating new environmental financial products.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UniCredit in Italy leads with investment funds focused on clean energy transition.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real Change vs. Marketing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genuine sustainability innovation changes core banking processes. For example, banks integrate environmental risk assessment into standard credit decisions. Leading banks get independent verification of their environmental claims. They set measurable targets and report progress regularly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><br \/>\n8. Neobanks: Digital-First Banking at a Crossroads<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neobanks are fully digital banks that operate without physical branches, offering mobile-first experiences at lower cost. Digital-only banks changed how financial services work. Our social media analysis shows neobanks like Monzo, N26, Revolut, and Chime transformed basic banking. But they face big profitability challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Neobank Advantage<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital banks don&#8217;t need physical branches. This cuts costs significantly. They can offer lower fees or free services. Their modern technology, built from scratch, enables rapid innovation and smooth digital experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nubank in Brazil shows this success. They serve over 70 million customers by using technology to reach people without traditional bank accounts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Revolut and N26 expanded quickly across Europe. They offer multi-currency accounts and commission-free stock trading. Traditional banks struggled to match these features.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_57011\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-57011\" style=\"width: 699px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/resources\/whitepaper\/banking-media-trends-uncovered-industry-scan-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-57011\" src=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-23.png\" alt=\"Bar graph showing Share of voice of Top Neobanking brands with Chime and Revolut leading. Neobanking is a top banking industry trend\" width=\"699\" height=\"459\" srcset=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-23.png 658w, https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-23-300x197.png 300w, https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/unnamed-23-640x420.png 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 639px) 98vw, (max-width: 1199px) 64vw, 699px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-57011\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Share of voice of Top Neobanking brands in English-language social media conversations. Q4 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Profitability Problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many digital banks struggle to make money and their low-fee models need massive scale to work. Customer acquisition costs stay high. And competition intensified as traditional banks improved their digital services.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many customers use neobanks as secondary accounts. They keep their main relationship with traditional banks. This limits neobank growth and profitability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the neobank sector is maturing. The early phase of rapid growth is ending and now there&#8217;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simon-kucher.com\/sites\/default\/files\/media-document\/2023-10\/WP-Neobanking-V6_0.pdf?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more focus on sustainable business models and actual profitability<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This means consolidation, specialization, and partnership models.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Advantages of Neobanks<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Challenges of Neobanks<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fully digital-first, mobile-native experiences designed for younger, tech-savvy users<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Profitability remains a major hurdle, with many neobanks still operating at a loss<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower operating costs due to the absence of physical branches<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulatory scrutiny is increasing as neobanks grow and handle more customer funds<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid growth and scaling, with global success stories like Nubank and Revolut<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building customer trust can be harder without the established reputation of traditional banks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Innovative services and flexible product offerings tailored to niche audiences<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facing fierce competition from traditional banks adopting digital tools and other fintech players<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b><br \/>\n9. Blockchain in Banking: Hype vs Adoption<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>Blockchain in banking refers to distributed ledger technology used for secure transactions, transparency, and potential cost reduction, although adoption remains limited.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> our analysis <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">showing that blockchain dominates industry conversations, blockchain\u2019s real-world impact in banking has been more modest than anticipated. Banks have explored creating tokenized versions of traditional assets (like bonds and currencies) but the shift toward blockchain-based trading has moved more slowly than expected, with fragmentation and regulatory uncertainty<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/documents1.worldbank.org\/curated\/en\/260121548673898731\/pdf\/134063-WP-121278-2nd-edition-IFC-EMCompass-Blockchain-Report-PUBLIC.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cited by leaders at institutions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like Citibank as key barriers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most activity remains confined to pilot projects and niche use cases such as cross-border payments, trade finance, and digital identity verification. Regulatory uncertainty, high implementation costs, and system interoperability continue to slow down broader adoption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For now, blockchain in banking remains a story of potential rather than reality. While discussions remain high, few institutions have introduced the technology at scale, underscoring the persistent gap between hype and tangible change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>10. The Human Connection: Why People Still Matter in Banking<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>The human connection in banking refers to the personal relationships, trust, and reassurance customers expect alongside digital services.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our analysis shows that even as banks invest billions in advanced technologies, customers consistently express a preference for personal support when it matters most. This paradox highlights that technology should enhance, not replace, the human element of financial services.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Branches, call centres, and personal advisers remain vital for resolving complex issues, providing financial guidance, and building long-term trust. While AI and digital tools streamline day-to-day banking, customers still want the option of speaking with a human during moments of stress, uncertainty, or major financial decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For banks, the challenge is not choosing between digital and human service, but creating a hybrid model where technology provides speed and scale, while people deliver empathy and connection. Those that get this balance right will build stronger loyalty and competitive advantage in the years ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><br \/>\nConclusion: From Cost Centre to Innovation Powerhouse<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our analysis shows that bank technology trends have shifted from being seen as a cost centre to becoming a strategic advantage, shaping how banks will compete through 2030. Yet the paradox remains: while digital transformation accelerates, customers continue to value human connection alongside technology.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Onclusive, our analysis of millions of social and media conversations shows how these trends are shaping the future of banking. For financial institutions, understanding and acting on these technology shifts is no longer optional; it\u2019s the key to building trust, resilience, and competitive advantage in the decade ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Executive Implications\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technology transformation needs comprehensive change management. It must address culture, processes, and infrastructure together.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our research and analysis revealed a paradox. Customers often prefer human interaction despite significant technology investments. This shows the importance of using AI and technology to enhance rather than replace personal connections.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good data quality and governance support all advanced technologies. Cloud computing and API systems create the flexibility needed for rapid innovation and partnerships.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banks that view technology as an innovation driver rather than just a cost will emerge as leaders. Those that fail to embrace transformation risk becoming irrelevant.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Path Forward<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To stay competitive, banks must use high-performance <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/what-we-do\/monitoring\/social-listening\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">social listening<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/what-we-do\/monitoring\/media-monitoring\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">media monitoring tools<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Detect industry trends quickly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticipate consumer behavior changes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identify new opportunities before competitors<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continuous monitoring of social media conversations, industry news, and competitor moves is now crucial for navigating the changing banking landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The future belongs to banks that successfully balance technological innovation with human-centered service. They create sustainable competitive advantages through strategic technology deployment. This enhances rather than replaces the personal relationships that customers still value.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><br \/>\n<\/b><b>About This Research<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article uses comprehensive social listening and media analysis data from <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/resources\/whitepaper\/banking-media-trends-uncovered-industry-scan-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Onclusive&#8217;s Banking Industry Scan<\/a><\/span>. It examines technology trend discussions across social media platforms and mainstream media coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/resources\/whitepaper\/banking-media-trends-uncovered-industry-scan-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-57831 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/eng.png\" alt=\"Download the full report for the full analysis behind the top 10 banking industry trends\" width=\"1020\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/eng.png 1020w, https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/eng-300x74.png 300w, https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/eng-768x188.png 768w, https:\/\/onclusive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/eng-640x157.png 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 639px) 98vw, (max-width: 1199px) 64vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<\/section> \n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":56757,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"audience":[],"topic":[],"region":[],"class_list":["post-56930","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56930","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56930"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56930\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56757"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56930"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"audience","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/audience?post=56930"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=56930"},{"taxonomy":"region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onclusive.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/region?post=56930"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}