As the landscape of digital banking continues to evolve, understanding the pivotal technologies that drive customer engagement and satisfaction is essential. In Q3 2019, Forrester Research released its highly anticipated Wave report that examines the key players in the digital banking engagement platform space. This report is vital for financial institutions looking to enhance their digital offerings and remain competitive in an ever-changing marketplace. Here, we delve into the findings of the report, the leading providers, and what it means for the future of digital banking.
Understanding the Digital Banking Engagement Platforms Landscape
The digital banking engagement platform segment consists of solutions that enhance customer interactions, streamline operations, and ultimately drive profitability for financial institutions. These platforms combine various tools and technologies including customer relationship management (CRM), data analytics, omnichannel support, and marketing automation to deliver a cohesive and personalized banking experience.
With consumers increasingly expecting seamless digital experiences akin to those they encounter in the retail sector, banks must adapt. The Forrester Wave report evaluates critical criteria such as current offering, strategy, and market presence to identify the leaders and challengers in this dynamic field.
Key Criteria for Evaluation
Forrester’s analysis is thorough, focusing on several key criteria:
- Current Offering: This encompasses the features and functionalities that a platform provides, such as customer insights, engagement channels, and performance metrics.
- Strategy: Here, Forrester examines the long-term vision of providers, including their innovation and product roadmap, strategic partnerships, and market expansion strategies.
- Market Presence: This evaluates the vendor’s existing customer base, brand recognition, and overall impact in the digital banking sphere.
Leaders in the Forrester Wave
The Q3 2019 report identified several leaders in the digital banking engagement platform space:
1. FIS Global
FIS has established itself as a powerhouse in financial technology, serving a wide array of banks and credit unions. Their Digital One platform provides robust omnichannel experiences, advanced analytics capabilities, and a strong focus on compliance. Their extensive library of APIs facilitates easy integration with third-party services, allowing for rapid innovation and adaptability.
2. Temenos
Temenos has revolutionized the banking sector with its core banking solution that supports a multitude of digital banking functionalities. Their open platform approach enables banks to leverage existing systems while advancing their digital capabilities. The commitment to continuous improvement and a strong community of developers makes Temenos a favored choice among banks seeking agility and scalability.
3. Salesforce
Salesforce has made significant inroads into the banking sector with its customer relationship management approach. Their Financial Services Cloud provides a 360-degree view of customer data, empowering banks to personalize their services and enhance customer engagement. With a strong focus on analytics and automation, Salesforce stands out for institutions aiming to transform their relationship management strategies.
Emerging Players
Alongside the established leaders, Forrester also highlighted several emerging players that are making significant strides in the digital banking engagement landscape.
4. Backbase
Backbase’s approach centers on the creation of a seamless digital banking experience. By focusing on user-centric design and agile methodologies, Backbase enables banks to rapidly roll out new features and enhancements. Their platform is particularly appealing to institutions that prioritize customer experience and innovation.
5. Finastra
Finastra combines traditional banking capabilities with innovative technology, including cloud-based solutions that facilitate scalability. Their FusionFabric.cloud platform encourages collaboration among developers to create new applications, thereby driving digital transformation in the sector.
Market Trends Shaping Digital Banking Engagement
The Forrester Wave report not only highlights individual platforms but also sheds light on broader market trends influencing digital banking engagement:
- AI and Machine Learning: Many platforms are now integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to enhance personalization and automate customer interactions.
- Mobile-First Strategies: With mobile banking usage skyrocketing, banks are prioritizing mobile-first approaches to meet customer demands.
- Regulatory Compliance: The ever-changing regulatory landscape necessitates solutions that are compliant and adaptable, ensuring that banks can mitigate risks effectively.
- Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Financial institutions are increasingly seeking platforms that align with their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
The Future of Digital Banking Engagement Platforms
As we look ahead, the findings from the Forrester Wave report underscore the importance of strategic investments in digital banking engagement platforms. Institutions that take proactive measures to assess and implement these technologies are more likely to succeed in today’s competitive environment.
Moreover, as customer expectations continue to evolve, the demand for seamless, personalized experiences will only grow. Banks must embrace emerging technologies while maintaining a strong focus on user-centric design. This will not only enhance customer engagement but also foster long-term loyalty.
Ultimately, the Forrester Wave report serves as a valuable resource for financial institutions aiming to navigate the complexities of digital banking engagement. By arming themselves with the insights and trends presented in the report, banks can position themselves for success in this rapidly changing landscape.
This compelling analysis of the Forrester Wave digital banking engagement platforms Q3 2019 highlights both the current state and future potential of digital banking. It offers a roadmap for banks seeking to elevate their customer engagement strategies while responding to the evolving demands of their clientele.







