What is banking systems software?

Banking systems software aids in managing, monitoring, and recording transactions at banks and other financial institutions. The software helps manage front-office services such as customer engagement, portfolio management, and sales of core banking products. It also supports back-office functions such as credit approvals, auditing, financial accounting, background verification, and system integrations.

The benefits of banking systems software

• Multiple transaction options: Modern banking systems software supports the vastly evolved models of financial transactions in use today, at physical branches or virtually via computers or smartphones. This easy accessibility enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Paperless system: The digitization of the banking industry enables the move from paper transactions to screen taps. Going near-paperless frees up valuable real estate by reducing the need for bulky file cabinets, and provides a more secure way to backup data. It also cuts cost on paper.
• Workflow automation: Using banking systems software automates tedious operations such as data entry and sending alerts to customers. This eliminates the risk of errors that come with manual data entry, and saves employees' time that they can refocus on serving customers.

Typical features of banking systems software

• Compliance tracking: Ensure that business processes are performed in line with industry and government regulations.
• Contact database: Create and maintain a central repository of customer data.
• Transaction monitoring: Analyze customer transactions, activity history, and account profiles to detect suspicious activity.
• Core banking: Create new accounts, record transactions on a real-time basis, process payments, and automate interest calculation on loans.
• Online banking: Allow customers to perform transactions on mobile devices or computers.

Considerations when purchasing banking systems software

• Interface and flexibility: The financial landscape is tightly regulated and any policy change must be incorporated immediately. The software you choose should be flexible to accommodate such market changes.
• Data security: As cybercrime rates increase, people are more and more concerned about the security of their data while banking online. Banks are required to keep customer information secure and limit third-party data exposure. Banking systems software should provide two-factor or multifactor authentication. The software should also encrypt data transferred over the internet, and filter network traffic to prevent malicious access of your central database. 

Relevant banking systems software trends

• Artificial intelligence (AI) in the BFSI industry: Banks with AI-powered solutions can use customer information (such as preferences and interests) to provide personalized banking experiences. AI-driven chatbots and robo-advisors are fast becoming commonplace at banks as tools to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Banking solutions are moving to the cloud: The banking industry is already using cloud-based procurement and HR software, but they're now moving entire systems to the cloud . The shift will reduce infrastructure costs and increase business agility. While cloud-based core banking may not be the biggest trend right now, banks and credit unions should consider this as one of the most relevant technology trends in the coming years.