Despite calls for fewer bank branches and for less cash to be in circulation, branch numbers are on the rise in some countries. But why?

With more innovative tools being introduced to banking, banks cannot afford to simply seek profits. If they do, they will get left behind.

As digital banking takes a more central role in the industry, financial services companies should be better equipped for the future competitive battleground.

Mobile banking may seem like it is at the cutting-edge of technology, but the real value is in the chip, not the mobile device itself, as it is the chip that can enable banks to analyse their customers' lifestyles.

When looking for models to emulate, banks are better off picking Apple rather than Google – Apple, after all, has branches. 

Turmoil in the financial markets has shifted the focus of banks from growth and innovation to risk management. But with non-banks diversifying across the banking business, now more than ever it is essential that banks look for new ways to differentiate themselves from the competition and prove the value of the traditional banking outlet

For all the talk about revolutions in banking, nothing much has changed yet. But do the big banks have to change? For all the cost, investment, marketing, effort, hurdles and barriers new players have to get through, any serious competition seems unlikely.

As banking by mobile telephone takes off in the developing world, should banks be wary or welcoming of this progress?

Banks agree that data is key to the growth of their business but they are being outclassed in its usage by companies that grew up on the internet.

Recent advances in mobile technology may be exciting, but the real focus for the future of mobile payments is the chip.