Algorithmic trading systems are an increasingly popular weapon with which banks aim to annihilate the competition.Dan Barnes explains.

In today’s environment, where news reports of consumer-related phishing attacks are a daily occurrence, banks’ retail banking units might examine the experience of their counterparts in corporate electronic banking, which have managed either largely to avoid instances of significant financial loss as a result of unauthorised access to corporate electronic banking systems since 1994 or to keep such incidents private.

A drawback of operating in the digital world is the accessibility of information on customers’ accounts. Banks are continuously tightening security but can they keep ahead of the fraudsters? By Chris Skinner.

ING Direct’s chief information officer Martin Vonk tells Dan Barnes how the online bank manages to keep down costs and maintain growth five years after its inception.

Once disadvantaged by poor infrastructure, emerging markets are now bypassingthe old legacy systems and moving to the latest technology – giving them the edge on their global competitors.Dan Barnes reports.

The increasing pressure on banks to cut costs is being matched by the need to ensure their technology is up to scratch with market standards. But should systems be upgraded piecemeal or wholesale?

While the current climate is a good one for banks, they should not ignore major software and core operating systems upgrades and changes if they are to stay ahead of the game and sustain growth. A view from Thomas Balgheim and Trevor Gruzin.

As banking requirements advance, the systems and software required to service core banking operations grow ever more complex. The solution, it appears, is a flexible system that can adapt and fit into its new environment.Dan Barnes reports.

Another pronounced effect of aging core banking systems was heard clearly. Of those surveyed, 47% cited cost as a core banking concern.

A recent Accenture and SAP survey revealed that banks worldwide need to update core banking systems to realise future success. The survey finds interesting regional differences in the readiness for change, as well as different views of IT and business.