Retail Banking

As retail banking businesses with global operations need to think and act both nationally and across borders — KPMG coordinates our member firms’ services through the three operating regions of EMA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Asia Pacific and the Americas.

This structure provides our firms’ clients with a well-established service in all their geographical markets. It gives them access to professional assistance which is characterized by commitment to national markets, and an understanding of the commercial and cultural differences between countries.

Our multinational retail banking teams are led by senior partners who have a wealth of global client experience and relationships with many of the major market players, regulators and leading industry bodies. We listen to our firms’ clients and understand. The result is a focus on the issues that really matter:

• Growth — consolidation and mergers and acquisition are still extremely important. Two of the largest retail banking markets in the world, in the USA and Germany, are both still to consolidate. There are exciting opportunities in emerging markets, driven by rapid GDP and population growth. In the mature markets branch banking is being revitalized and re-invented. Mobile payments and pre-paid cards are taking off and ageing populations are driving demand for new and different products.
• Performance — retail banks face some specific performance challenges. For example they must efficiently manage a range of different distribution channels, with branch, telephone, mobile and internet banking all in demand, often by the same client. They must get a balance between in-sourcing and outsourcing, with clients perhaps reluctant to accept the outsourcing of all client service functions. They must remain vigilant against financial crime, which can adversely affect the bottom line and their reputation in the market.
• Governance — generally speaking, governance, internal control, and risk management in the retail banking industry is strong. Basel II is having a significant impact on the industry but its effects and requirements are well understood and the techniques for the management control and trading of credit risk are well advanced.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss how KPMG member firms can help you achieve your business objectives.

To discuss how we can work together, please contact us.