Competition rises in Transaction Banking, says Celent

Transaction banking is a growth area for banks, with volumes rising steadily. This is generating intense competition in transaction banking services among regional and local banks as well as global incumbents. In a survey-based study by Celent and sponsored by NTT Data Getronics, Trends in Transaction Banking: A Global Survey, Celent finds that banks are racing to enhance product and service menus; automate processes and increase straight-through processing (STP); and build regional—and global—operational and technology platforms to support their business.

Asia is a particular focus because over half of the international trade in this region is between countries within Asia itself. The high proportion of intraregional trade is providing opportunities for the local banks operating in Asia, where global banks might not have a granular presence, and driving them to enhance their transaction banking capabilities.

“Transaction banking is a stiffly competitive business, with even smaller local banks investing in cash management capabilities,” says Neil Katkov, PhD, Senior Vice President, Asia for Celent and coauthor of the report. “The banks that succeed in meeting new client requirements will improve their competitive positioning not just in their home markets, but relative to the global players as well.”

“After the global financial crisis, corporates have changed their behavior and are increasingly focused on risk and liquidity management,” adds Axel Pierron, Senior Vice President of Celent’s Securities & Investments Practice and coauthor of the report. “This is creating opportunities for banks, and intense competition in transaction banking services.”