At Datos Insights Retail Bank Transformation Europe, we expected there would be a few opinions on how retail banking had changed over the past 5 years. 

We weren’t wrong. 

In our latest vid, we get some thoughts from attendees and exhibitors on traditional banks copying the fintechs, the role of the high street, mobile banking and more. 

The retail banking space has undergone significant transformation over the last five years, driven largely by advancements in technology, shifts in customer behavior, and strategic adaptations by banks themselves. Our speakers gave us a good rundown of some of the most notable changes.

The Rise of Digital and Mobile Banking

One of the standout shifts has been the widespread adoption and maturity of mobile banking. This was something Robert Wint from Temenos commented on with customers now having a suite of banking services available at their fingertips, allowing them to manage accounts, transfer money, and even apply for financial products from the convenience of their smartphones. This has drastically reduced reliance on traditional in-person banking, with Will King from Secure Innovation noting that banking has seen a shift away from the high street and in person branches. 

It’s not to say that they don’t serve some value but it’s hard to ignore that as customers increasingly opt for digital-first experiences, traditional high-street banking is seeing a decline in foot traffic. As a result they are a significant part of the wider decline in the high street. For many, the ability to serve themselves through online platforms and apps has become a cornerstone of how they interact with their banks.

A New Focus on Self-Service

Self-service capabilities have also become more prevalent, extending beyond just mobile devices. For those still using traditional branch banking, many banks have introduced and expanded the use of self-serve machines within branches, offering services like deposits, withdrawals, and account management without the need for teller assistance. This was something picked up on by Matthew Phillips from Diebold Nixdorf. This evolution has made banking more efficient, catering to a growing demand for quick, independent transactions.

Fintech Influence and Innovation

The interesting point made by Chris Skinner of The Finanser was that the biggest change to take place was really that the traditional banks have basically copied the fintechs and the challengers. All the clever innovations that they have championed and included in their products have resulted in traditional banks taking cues from fintechs, adopting features and approaches that were once the domain of disruptive startups. From seamless app designs to enhance customer experiences, many legacy institutions have embraced innovation to remain competitive. This blending of traditional stability with fintech agility is redefining how banks operate.

Enhanced Convenience

Another key development our talented talkers picked up on, has been improvements in the accessibility of banking services. Features like cardless ATM withdrawals have introduced a new level of convenience, showing how banks are leveraging technology to simplify everyday transactions. These innovations aim to keep pace with the evolving expectations of digitally savvy consumers.

What’s clear is that the last five years have marked a turning point for retail banking, with a clear pivot towards digital transformation and customer-centric services. It’s been interesting to hear how these experts have viewed this shift. Watch more great videos from this lot, over on our Datos Insights event page. 

The post The Biggest Change in Retail Banking Over the Past 5 Years | FF News at Retail Bank Transformation Europe appeared first on FF News | Fintech Finance.

We’re guessing that those who have been in the banking industry long enough will have seen some interesting forms of currency. 

In the latest video from Datos Insights Retail Bank Transformation Europe, we asked attendees and exhibitors what they thought the rarest cash or coin they’d seen was. 

It was interesting to see how people interpreted the question.

Watch the video for some interesting finds! 

Different forms of currency 

Cash use is still very popular around the world, and even though it is in decline, it is still used for 44% of point-of-sale (POS) transactions globally. Nonetheless, foreign currency is increasingly becoming a novelty in other places around the world. Unless you travel it’s unlikely you would come across the Danish Krone as one of our guests mentioned. 

With a hole in the middle it’s certainly a unique one that stands out, especially in Europe where the Euro dominates. 

Among other foreign currencies mentioned were the Tanzanian shilling, some Russian coin and currency from Jordan, from Temenos’ Robert Wint. Of course there were also some who had seen old British currency too. We imagine the shilling is getting rarer and rarer. 

Of course, many of these forms of currency could become less and less common as time goes on and more people adopt digital forms of transaction at the point of sale. So hold on to your unique coins while you can. 

Under the ground

A particularly unique answer was from Matthew Phillips of Diebold Nixdorf who reminisced about a time where archeologists near where he lived uncovered coins from the Vikings. Now that is a rare find indeed. We’re pretty sure that’s no longer legal tender. 

Then of course, a few people mentioned the commemorative or collectible coins that are produced, usually by the Royal Mint, for special occasions or to commemorate everything from the England football team to Paul McCartney. 

Speaking of official currency, Sean Wilson from Dormakaba pointed out that they get to see new cash before it’s released to the public. How privileged!

It was very interesting to hear the answers of attendees and exhibitors at the event, who clearly have lots of interesting stories to tell. Watch more videos from this conference on our website.

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ATMs are a vital part of the financial infrastructure all around the world.

And they pop up in some interesting places… 

We asked attendees and exhibitors at Datos Insights Retail Bank Transformation Europe which ones stuck out to them, and we got some interesting answers!… 

The important role of ATMs

The video above, which was recorded at the Datos Insights Retail Bank Transformation event, contains attendees and exhibitors sharing their stories of the most unusual places they’ve encountered ATMs.

Cash use is still enormous around the world, accounting for at least 16 percent of POS payments, with some countries seeing a share of cash based transactions far higher than this. ATMs play a key role in the lives of many so it’s no surprise then that they would turn up in unusual places, serving the people there with a much needed access to cash, or indeed something else…

We know when we’re asking the right people, as many of these financial experts cited ATMs that have appeared in lists like this one from The Telegraph. Some of the answers above really are fascinating and go to show how banking technology pops up in almost all walks of life, and at almost all altitudes!

John Ennis from Cennox set the tone with a mountain-top example: an ATM located in the Himalayas. Perched on a mountaintop, this machine seemed more like a marvel of logistics than a financial convenience. The sheer determination required to install and maintain an ATM in such a remote, high-altitude location speaks volumes about the reach of modern banking.

Jennifer Ham from Datos Insights brought a unique perspective from her travels in Asia. She described ATM boats—floating machines that navigate waterways to bring banking services to isolated communities. It’s an ingenious solution in areas where rivers and canals serve as the primary means of transportation.

It’s not just cash you can get from ATMs

Chris Skinner from The Finanser shifted the focus entirely to his example from the Emirates Hotel in Abu Dhabi. There, he came across a gold-dispensing ATM. Yes, instead of cash, users could withdraw actual gold bars. It’s a testament to the opulence of the setting and the creative ways ATMs can cater to niche markets, however unfortunately for the ultra rich reading this, it’s no longer open.

Matthew Phillips from Diebold Nixdorf offered a sun-soaked anecdote from Croatia. On a picturesque beach, he encountered an ATM guarded 24/7 by security personnel. This wasn’t your standard seaside accessory—it was a necessity because the nearby bar only accepted cash, making the machine an essential fixture for beachgoers.

Will King from Secure Innovation recalled a standalone ATM on a desolate back road in Greece. With nothing else around it, the machine seemed almost surreal—a solitary sentinel of financial services in the middle of nowhere. It raised questions about who might use it and how often it’s restocked.

Finally, Owen Wild from NCR Atleos took things to another extreme with his mention of an ATM in Antarctica. Located at a science research base, this machine serves scientists and staff living in one of the harshest environments on Earth and one of the most populous places in Antarctica. 

So, whether it’s a bustling beach, a snowy research station, or a mountain peak, ATMs prove that banking can reach places you’d never expect. Fintech professionals, take note—innovation often starts in the strangest of places.

Be sure to catch more of our interviews from Retail Bank Transformation right here. 

The post Where’s the Strangest Place You Have Seen an ATM? | FF News at Retail Bank Transformation Europe appeared first on FF News | Fintech Finance.

But was it online, in a branch or something else?

With digital banking well established we were interested to know whether attendees, exhibitors and speakers at Datos Insights Retail Bank Transformation Europe stuck to the old ways or tried out the new.

The way people open their main bank accounts reflects both personal preferences and the evolution of banking services over time. At the Datos Insights Retail Bank Transformation event, attendees shared their experiences, shedding light on how traditional branches and digital platforms have shaped their banking journeys.

Watch our latest 60 second video to see an interesting mix.

The Branch Experience

For many attendees, opening a bank account in a physical branch was the norm, especially in the past. Several participants emphasized that branches were the only option available when they first opened their accounts, citing in-person interactions in their local towns. That may well be how most of us opened our first account. Sean Wilson from Dormakaba shared a nostalgic memory of the in-branch process from 40 years ago, vividly recalling filling out paper forms. Owen Wild from NCR Atleos also opened his primary account at a branch but now uses online banking for his children’s accounts, highlighting the generational shift in banking behavior.

Digital Evolution

Others have unsurprisingly embraced the convenience of online and mobile banking. Speakers like Antony Harris from KICTeam mentioned doing everything digitally, opening their accounts online or directly on their phones. This transition underscores the growing role of digital channels in meeting modern customer expectations for speed and simplicity and the sheer convenience of opening an account on your phone. Jennifer Ham from Datos Insights pointed out that while she opened a savings account in a branch, she now relies on online services for subsequent accounts, reflecting the blending of traditional and digital experiences.

Unusual and Inherited Accounts

Not all experiences fit neatly into the branch-versus-digital framework. One speaker described opening their account at a booth in a commercial center rather than a traditional branch, showing how banks have adapted to meet customers in different spaces. And another received their account from their parents, bypassing the traditional setup process entirely. Indeed if it isn’t broken, why change.

There are some diverse responses here that highlight how banking has evolved from the predominantly in-branch experiences of the past to the flexible, digital-first approaches of today. There is still a lot to be said for the trust and comfort gained from in-person interactions but increasingly people are happy to settle for the convenience of digital banking.

A great time at Datos Insights

This video took place at Datos Insights, Retail Bank Transformation. The next event in 2025 is set to take place on 18-19 November 2025 in London, bringing together a diverse audience of over 300 executives from 45 countries. Building on the momentum of the 2024 event, next year’s conference promises to be a vital platform for professionals in the financial services sector to explore the future of retail banking.

The event will center on reimagining the retail banking experience, with a strong focus on improving customer service and operational efficiency within financial institutions. Attendees will engage in discussions about innovative strategies, emerging technologies, and solutions to meet evolving customer expectations in an increasingly digital world.

For those looking to maximize their involvement, sponsorship opportunities are available, offering businesses a chance to showcase their expertise and connect with industry leaders. Additionally, an Early Bird pricing offer will be introduced for a limited time, making it easier for participants to secure their place at this highly anticipated event. Find out more here.

The post Where Did You Open Your Main Bank Account? | FF News at Retail Bank Transformation Europe appeared first on FF News | Fintech Finance.

The retail banking experience is always changing, which is why events like Datos Insights’ Retail Bank Transformation Europe are so key for sharing ideas and making collaborations happen. 

We spoke to attendees, exhibitors and speakers from the conference to find out why they were attending, what they were hoping to achieve and some of the key focuses in the industry.

Watch our latest 60 second video to hear from the experts.

Connecting with Customers and Partners

Datos Insights Retail Bank Transformation event drew a variety of professionals, each with unique goals but a shared focus on advancing the future of banking and financial services. Here’s what some of the attendees were looking to achieve at the conference.

For many, this event is a prime opportunity to connect directly with customers and key industry partners. Matthew Phillips from Diebold Nixdorf and Will King from Secure Innovation were using the conference to better engage with clients and suppliers, offering insights into their business directions and product roadmaps. It’s about creating a space to share ideas and gather feedback, ensuring their solutions align with market needs.

Staying Ahead of Industry Trends

The need to stay informed about emerging trends is a recurring theme. Rodrigo Neto from ATEC highlighted the importance of understanding new developments as his organization introduces products to market, while Sean Wilson from Dormakaba emphasized refining solutions to meet evolving customer requirements. These reflections underscore the critical role of adaptability and innovation in an industry shaped by rapid technological advancements.

Networking in a Remote-First World

In a post-pandemic, increasingly remote landscape, face-to-face interactions are more valuable than ever. Adam Poppy from Brink’s touched on this, noting how the industry has become increasingly remote, doing a lot of talking on Teams for example. As a result, in-person networking opportunities like these are a rare and meaningful chance to build relationships.

Showcasing Capabilities

For some attendees, the event is about showcasing their expertise and offerings. Owen Wild, for example, was promoting ATM-as-a-Service solutions, while Robert Wint from Temenos was taking to the main stage to discuss digital onboarding and strategies for enhancing retail banking experiences. Their participation highlights the importance of sharing knowledge and sparking discussions that drive progress.

A Collaborative Atmosphere

The conference also offers a unique environment for collaboration and exploration. Whether it’s meeting industry peers, engaging in panel discussions, or simply exchanging ideas, participants like John Ennis from Cennox see this as a space to foster connections and celebrate the shared ambition of transforming the retail banking landscape.

Stay tuned for more insights from the event. 

The post Why Are You Attending the Conference? | FF News at Retail Bank Transformation Europe appeared first on FF News | Fintech Finance.