IntroductionThis report presents the views of 100 business and technology decision-makers in the European retail banking sector, drilling down into IT strategy drivers and pinpointing key investment areas for 2007.ScopeBased on 100 interviews with European retail banksCoverage of all the main Western European markets: Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, Nordics, Spain and the UKCoverage of all the main Central European markets: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and SloveniaHighlightsIn general, both upper and lower tier banks are showing a balanced approach to business objectives.
However, cost control has risen in prominence from recent years to emerge as the top priority.Central European banks are increasing spending in more areas in 2008 than their Western European counter parts, particularly on compliance projects.
Western European banks are predominantly increasing investment in the front office as they focus on improving customer sales and service capabilities.With regards to consolidating payments systems, banks have made most progress in the channel space and only a few banks are still in the planning phase.
EMV compliance varies by country deadline, while a worrying number of banks are still in the planning phase for SEPA compliance.Reasons to PurchaseUnderstand rapidly changing trends in end-user opinion to determine your go to market strategyUse robust primary data to plan your 2008 strategy with confidenceComplements Datamonitor's North and Latin American Customer Focus report, DPTC0015