Evolution of Branch-Based Advice in Multichannel Banking

April 11, 2012 - PRLog -- Boston, MA -- In new research, Evolution of Branch-Based Advice in Multichannel Banking, Mercator Advisor Group reviews the transformation many banks and credit unions have undertaken from teller-focused full-service business models to self-service or hybrid self-/full-service advice models as a strategy for increasing efficiencies while retaining high levels of customer interaction and advice.
 
Highlights of this report include:

While the foundation of banking is still centered on the branch concept, the way that branch business is conducted is changing fundamentally.

The formats of self-service banking customers are becoming accustomed to using and the opportunities this activity opens for FIs.

The dilemmas FIs face and the models they should evaluate when finding ways to continue to offer high levels of customer service while reducing the cost of sales presents significant challenges for financial institutions.

"The dichotomy between being able to offer high levels of customer service while reducing the cost of sales presents significant challenges for financial institutions. Not only do they need to retain a highly valued, yet costly, branch presence, but also they must carefully evaluate projects that hold great promise for improved efficiencies, profitability, and interaction," comments Ed O'Brien, director of Mercator Advisory Group's Banking Channels Advisory Service.

This report is 24 pages long and has 10 exhibits.

Organizations mentioned in this report include:Apple, Bank of America, Coastal Federal Credit Union, Diebold, First National Bank of Omaha, JPMorgan Chase, KeyBank, TD Bank, uGenius, and University Federal Credit Union.

Members of Mercator Advisory Group's Banking Channels Advisory Service have access to this report as well as the upcoming research for the year ahead, presentations, analyst access and other membership benefits.

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About Mercator Advisory Group
Mercator Advisory Groupis the leading, independent research and advisory services firm exclusively focused on the payments and banking industries. We deliver pragmatic and timely research and advice designed to help our clients uncover the most lucrative opportunities to maximize revenue growth and contain costs. Our clients range from the world's largest payment issuers, acquirers, processors, merchants and associations to leading technology providers and investors. Mercator Advisory Group is also the publisher of the online payments and banking news and information portal PaymentsJournal.com.