[May 25, 2012] Research and Markets: Evolution of Branch-Based Advice in Multichannel Banking Tweet May 25, 2012 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/tvrhmm/evolution_of_branc) has announced the addition of the "Evolution of Branch-Based Advice in Multichannel Banking" report to their offering. Mercator Advisor Group reviews the transformation many banks and credit unions have undertaken from teller-focused full-service business models to self-service or hybrid self-/full-service advice models as a strategy for increasing efficiencies while retaining high levels of customer interaction and advice. Highlights of this report include: - While the foundation of banking is still centered on the branch concept, the way that branch business is conducted is changing fundamentally. - The formats of self-service banking customers are becoming accustomed to using and the opportunities this activity opens for FIs. - The dilemmas FIs face and the models they should evaluate when finding ways to continue to offer high levels of customer service while reducing the cost of sales presents significant challenges for financial institutions. The dichotomy between being able to offer high levels of customer service while reducing the cost of sales presents significant challenges for financial institutions. Not only do they need to retain a highly valued, yet costly, branch presence, but also they must carefully evaluate projects that hold great promise for improved efficiencies, profitability, and interaction, comments Ed O'Brien, director of Mercator Advisory Group's Banking Channels Advisory Service. Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary The Times They Are a-Changin' - While Some Things Change, Some Remain the Same - Customers Still Visit Branches Regularly - Customer Comfort Level with Various Channels - A Balancing Act - Vexing Challenges - The Role of Information Sharing and Advice - The Interaction Between Service and Advice Three Primary Branch-Based Advice Models Self-Service/Semi Self-Service - Real-Time Access to Remote Representative - Face-to-Face Interaction Establishing the Right Channel Strategy for a Financial Institution Putting Customers at the Center of Channel Strategy - Branch Costs Must Be Managed - Use of the Evolving Branch for Good Service at Low Cost Customer Channel Preferences and Multichannel Strategy Determining the Right Channel Mix - Consistent Execution Across Channels Is Key Face-to-Face Branch Deployment Strategies: Examples Select Branches Targeting Wealthy Consumers - Specialty Programs for Preferred Customers - Branch Network Expansion to Attract Deposits - Branch of the Future - Freeing Resources to Pursue Cross-Selling and Up-Selling Opportunities - Branch Layout as a Competitive Advantage Conclusions and Strategic Implications For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/tvrhmm/evolution_of_branc CONTACT: Research and Markets, Laura Wood, Senior Manager. [email protected] Fax from USA: 646-607-1907 Fax from rest of the world: 353-1-481-1716 Sector: Banking and Financial Services (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/categories.asp?cat_id=10&campaign_id=tvrhmm) ((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected]. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]