The post crisis banking architecture will change. The crisis has revealed some weaknesses of the banking system which will have to be solved. Although the position of the virtual and real office is not one of the highest priorities, it may be an area where changes can be expected.

Different Companies have their own vision on this theme. But also the situation in the various countries varies. In Britain there are fewer offices but which support a larger scale, in Spain there are many small offices.

And there is the internet, with the virtual office…

On of the questions is whether this web-office will provide enough confidence for clients to continue to do business. Another question is whether the products with higher margins are (still) possible to sell though a virtual office, or whether a physical office will increase the benefits. So far the use of internet has grown steadily and the medium has got matured. But the world around it has changed.

The Do It Yourself (DIY) approach that was popular in the pre-crisis may not come back under the same demand. The risk appetite of many households has been affected and this will influence the way they will do business. It is not said that the role of the financial advisor will become more important, but confidence is more an issue. And confidence and the internet do agree less with each other.

Banks will have to think about this, which is only one of the possible changes in the near future.

H.J.B.
About the Author: