Mobile Banking Updates - Jan 27

ING Bank Slaski releases corporate mobile banking app
"ING Bank Slaski has launched a mobile banking application for corporate customers - ING BusinessMobile for iOS and Android platforms is based on the Comarch Mobile Banking solution. The system is designed primarily for corporate customers as it offers convenient and quick transaction authorization. In addition to the four-eye principle, it allows to create secure transactions on the basis of pre-defined and templates orders."

First Niagara launches mobile banking app
"First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FNFG) launched a new mobile banking app for iPhones, Android phones, and BlackBerrys. The app allows users to access account information, pay bills, execute internal transfers, and find branch and ATM locations. The banking company plans to add more features throughout 2013, including remote deposit capture, person to person payments, and an iPad app."

Mobile banking users set to almost double
"A new report from Juniper Research finds that over one billion mobile phone users will have made use of their mobile devices for banking purposes by the end of 2017, compared to just over 590 million in 2013. While the forecast of one billion users represents just under 15% of the mobile subscriber base, Juniper notes that around half of all mobile subscribers remain unbanked, with limited access to traditional financial services."

Era of online and mobile banking
"Banks are killing off branches by the thousands. Overall, banks closed 2,267 branches last year and opened only 1,149, according to research firm SNL Financial. That resulted in a total loss of 1,118 branches nationwide -- the highest level since 2005, when the firm began tracking closures. Looking to cut costs, many banks are aggressively shuttering branches they deem unnecessary and encouraging customers to shift to online and mobile banking instead, said Nancy Bush, a bank analyst and contributing editor at SNL."

If You Use Chase Mobile Banking, You’re Probably Richer than All Your Friends Who Don’t
"The world of banking has changed significantly over the past few decades, especially with the introduction of mobile and online banking. With this technology, individuals can take a more active role in their finances. In fact, it appears that banking online has not only made it easier for people to track their transactions, but according to a new study, bank customers are actually saving more money when they jump on the digital bandwagon."

Mobile Banking Updates - Jan 8

WILL MOBILE BANKING OVERTAKE ATMS IN 2013?
"More customers could deal with their bank via smartphone or tablet application than via the ATM network by the end of 2013, if the current adoption rate of mobile apps continues, according to one of St George Bank’s top technology executives. Speaking as the bank launched upgrades to its growing fleet of mobile apps, St George’s head of mobile, Travis Tyler, said once successful tap-and-go smartphone payment trials underway across the Westpac group are opened up to all customers, he believes mobile will become the most common way for customers to deal with the bank."

More Community Financial Institutions Offer Mobile Banking
"A growing number of community financial institutions are now offering mobile banking, despite continued concern over regulatory obstacles. According to a recent Independent Community Bankers of America study, 37 percent of community FIs currently offer mobile banking — more than twice as many as two years ago. Another 44 percent of community FIs plan to implement the service by 2014."

Banking technology getting more mobile in WNY
"First Niagara Bank is going mobile. The Buffalo-based bank is weeks away from the launch of its first mobile banking product. Bank officials say the free service, to be released in midwinter, is a response to customer demands."

Mobile Banking Updates - Dec 30

Mobile Banking Forecast: Smartphone and Tablet Use in the United States
"A new report from Aite Group provides financial services executives with guidance on the most important mobile banking features for investment. Based on a Q2 2012 Aite Group survey of 1,115 U.S. consumers, the report forecasts consumer mobile device use for a variety of financial transactions and activities."

First Niagara Bank Launches Mobile Banking Apps
"First Niagara Bank has released the first version of its native mobile-banking applications. Now available for download through the Apple App Store and Google Play store, First Niagara’s mobile apps allow customers to view account balances, access transaction history, transfer money between First Niagara accounts, pay bills and locate the nearest branch or ATM."

Mobile banking expected to triple from 2012 to 2016
"The future of mobile banking is strong, according to a new report from analysts at Aite Group. The Boston-based research firm said that approximately 7,000 financial institutions in the U.S. now offer mobile banking services and that more will deploy them in the years ahead, judging by growing consumer demand."

NatWest and RBS mobile banking apps falter
"NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) customers have been unable to access their bank accounts through their mobile phones just as consumers try to keep tabs on spending in the run-up to Christmas. Ulster Bank, business, commercial and offshore account holders also experienced problems with intermittent access to their respective mobile apps today. While service has now been restored for most customers using iPhone, Blackberry and Android phones, this incident comes just two months after NatWest had to suspend its Get Cash mobile phone application amid reports that some customers had hundreds of pounds withdrawn by fraudsters."

Mobile banking useful, not universal
"If you've seen any bank commercials lately, you'd think mobile banking is a standard feature on bank accounts these days. But while it's gaining in popularity, it's still not a given that your bank offers it. There are now around 7,000 financial institutions offering mobile banking to retail banking customers, according to an estimate in a new report by Aite Group. Considering there are about a little more than 14,000 banks, thrifts and credit unions in the country, according to data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the National Credit Union Administration, that means about half of all financial institutions offer customers the ability to bank on their cellphones."