A way forward by utilizing „as a Service“-Models & Solutions on demand

Innovation arises often from needs and crisis. The development of innovative products, the digital transformation of middle and back-office operations, and the continuous enhancement and adjustment of systems and processes present challenges. However, they also offer opportunities for growth and advancement for businesses now and in the future.

Today’s financial markets are dynamic, shaped by rapid digitalization, economic and political factors, and crises. These forces drive changes in customer behaviour and preferences, such as the diverging needs of different age groups. They also elevate market expectations, both today and in the future. As a result, companies face increasing pressure to swiftly adapt their business strategies, systems, and processes. There’s an imperative need to be agile, ensuring the delivery of innovative products and services that meet these evolving demands.

Numerous financial firms have long been pushing for digital transformation. While the focus has largely been on front-office functions, mid- and back-office systems have seen some progress, although priorities vary. The challenge lies in the complex infrastructures that have developed over time. Legacy systems, inflexible processes, a mix of different solutions and applications, as well as segregated internal support and development teams, all add layers of complexity to the digital transformation journey.

Financial institutions increasingly require standard market proven solutions with end-to-end support that can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems with predictable effort and timeframe. These solutions must be flexible and scalable to meet evolving needs. Many institutions favour a hybrid approach, blending legacy mainframe applications with modern digital technologies. This strategy reduces implementation risks and ensures timely and predictable rollouts, enhancing the value chain and allowing quick market delivery of new products and services.

Current ’as a service’ models leverage open architecture and cutting-edge technologies like Generative AI and cloud computing. These models support a proactive and agile response to market and customer demands, enabling the development and launch of innovative products with optimal time to market and manageable effort.

Financial companies are leveraging ’as a service’ models, or a combination of these, to modernize their systems and processes landscape in a timely manner. This ensures the reliability of core business operations today and into the future.

Financial institutions are striking a balance between developing new business models and modernizing existing system and process landscapes through a mix of in-house development and external service solutions (make and buy). The array of ’as a service’ options accelerates the introduction of new financial products and services within budget and resource limits.

A critical challenge is sustaining a high level of digital transformation while building the necessary skills and culture among existing resources, keeping in sight both tactical and strategic objectives.

The primary focus for financial institutions is to maintain direct customer relationships, manage solutions, and control service provider contracts. Non-banking operations, like data reporting to trading venues and data providers, can be outsourced to service partners.

The proposed service models should offer comprehensive coverage including infrastructure, connectivity, data, and applications, akin to an App Store subscription model. Integration and customization of standard solutions are undertaken in partnership with service providers.

Benefits of the Service-Oriented Approach:

• Quick and phased modernization of legacy systems and processes - step by step up to a total solution.
• On-demand access to functions, continuous improvements, and new services.
• Standardized interface access to applications, functions, and data.
• Adoption of cutting-edge technologies and standards such as AI, Cloud, Blockchain, etc.
• Focus on core competencies and strategic objectives.
• Enhancement of the customer journey and experience.
• Facilitation of interbank communication and shared solutions.
• Outsourcing of non-banking applications.
• Strengthening competitiveness, enabling new business models, optimized time to market for products and related services, cost efficiency, and effective resource allocation.

Conclusion

’As a service’ models, cloud technologies and services as well as an active participation in ecosystems empower financial companies to timely offer new products and services. They are instrumental in the timely optimization of IT and process landscapes, driving continuous digital transformation. They provide the agility and flexibility needed to respond to evolving customer and market demands.

To embrace new business models, bolster competitiveness, and increase revenue and profits, these models and ecosystems are critical enablers.

pdv Financial Software supports you in the area of retail & institutional trading (OMS & EMS) as well as integrated risk management (market & credit risk) with the DECIDE product range through “Software as a Service” model (cloud and hosted).

Please find below a summary of market information, based on various surveys in financial markets   2022-2023 (Cap Gemini, Gartner, ZEB, PWC, Capital IQ & BCG, …).

• 27% of financial companies are significantly active in an ecosystem or as a service model today, the majority approx. 52% are only moderately involved.
• 46% expect growing focus on digital transformation
• 53% expect an expansion of digital product offering and connected infrastructure & processes
• 30% - 35% Digitalization of back office - optimization or reduction of operational costs
• 58% expect increasing demands on current digital strategies / digitalization
• 32% plan participation in digital platforms and service offerings
• 54% plan optimization of IT efficiency
• top 10 IT trends 2024 -> Platform Engineering & Business Value & Productivity - 70% of financial companies will use or have integrated cloud platforms by 2027.