Disruption and disintermediation from new market players are forcing banks to realise the urgency of rethinking futuristic strategic models and redesigning processes towards frictionless customer journey.

The advent of internet and the advancement of technology are paving the way for new players to enter the market and fill the gaps in financial services.

Globally, banks and non-banks are testing whether QR codes to merchants and consumers can provide a simple solution for payments.

Dilan Rajasingham, head of emerging technology at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, discusses the bank's venture into the internet of things (IoT) and its consequences for the financial services industry.

Inspired by social media and messaging platforms, CIMB Bank launched a chat-based virtual assistant targeted to facilitate a conversation-based and personalised banking experience through an app.

Mary Huen, Standard Chartered Bank’s chief executive officer for Hong Kong, discusses the bank's transformation journey and how it is rebuilding its domestic and regional business.

Banks are looking at "smarter" chatbots to deliver better customer experience, while also bringing down expenses and improving efficiency.

Bitcoin took the finance services community by storm when it reached its highest price. However, as regulators set up rules on digital currencies, its status as a safe haven currency is now being questioned.

Kevin Rolfe, head of technology cluster at Barclays Africa Group, speaks on how the banking industry needs to think beyond telemetric type data concepts to truly understand IoT’s significance.

Many Australian banks have shown disinterest towards anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism laws, compounded by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre’s initiative towards lack of compliance.

Robo-advisors claim to bring the world of wealth management to the masses – investment opportunities that were once only enjoyed exclusively by the wealthy. But with many robos advertising low fees, low barriers of entry, and a more personalised investment experience, they can be hard to differentiate.

Spurt in initial coin offerings over the last two years, with start-ups raising millions in minutes, have raised excitement and regulatory attention amidst fear of “bubble” and potential losses. This crowdfunding mechanism is still evolving towards more maturity, transparency and stronger market players.

Yu Jingbo, executive vice president in charge of channel and operation management of China Construction Bank, talks about transforming the functions of bank branches in the future.

Economies of scale, profitability, and developing a comprehensive service proposition remain major challenges in Vietnam’s growing retail banking industry. A long-term sustainable future will depend on how banks execute a right risk-reward balance

While much of the focus for quarterly results at DBS was on profits and non-performing loans, the impact of digitisation on expense reduction was striking and the bank’s plans for the next ten years pave the path towards even greater efficiency.