In many parts of the world, the global economy is being driven as much by trade in information, ideas and services,as by trade in physical goods. Organisations that were able to achieve success and predominance through sheer productivity and massive scale are now fewer and far between. Increasingly, it is the ability to think laterally, to operate on an agile basis, to react to global trends quickly and, above all, to innovate that will determine the sustainability of an organisation in future.
Latest articles from Fintech
Firewalls hinder progress
April 7, 2008Some banks are making efforts to engage with people through virtual worlds and social networks on the internet but their knowledge of this area is still limited – and being excluded by corporate firewalls does not help, writes Chris Skinner.
Search for the Google factor
April 7, 2008Online banking is struggling to keep pace with web trends and losing the lucrative social networking market as a result. Some players, however, are on the verge of a breakthrough. Michelle Price reports.
Adnan Masood
April 7, 2008The rapid growth of Pakistan’s United Bank Limited has created a complex IT infrastructure. Michelle Price talks to head of core banking Adnan Masood about UBL’s innovative refit of its technology systems.
Science fact
April 7, 2008Identification methods that were once science fiction are now being used by banks, and some of the most innovative schemes are not in the obvious technology hot-spots. Wendy Atkins reports.
The branch is reborn with twist in the sales
April 7, 2008Far from being hounded into extinction, the branch has undergone a resurrection with an entrepreneurial shift towards making sales instead of merely carrying out transactions. Michael Imeson reports.
The nature of innovation
April 7, 2008As the Islamic finance sector becomes more competitive, innovation will be a key differentiator for attracting customers, writes Joe DiVanna.
Google moves into the online banking picture
April 7, 2008Could Google revolutionise the world of online banking? Its involvement as a platform is looking increasingly likely.
Remove brain before work
March 4, 2008A recent encounter with a business banker proved that, as far as financial services are concerned, the days of human relationships and judgement calls are over. The computerised process is king. By Chris Skinner.
India’s outsourcing reinvention
March 4, 2008Improved education and better living standards mean employees are returning to India, transforming the country’s outsourced financial services. Brian Caplen reports on how the industry has adapted.