Local Touch Should be Key to U.S. Banks' Future Plans, Says Research

LONDON, April 17, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- Banking customers in the U.S. prefer localized, personalized services to be at the center of their relationship with their financial services institutions, according to a new international study by BT and Avaya.  The study – which reflects results of a survey of more than 2,000 financial services customers in the U.S., U.K., Germany and Spain -- found that despite the growing use of telephone and Internet banking in recent years, two-thirds (66 percent) of U.S.-based customers see their local branch as the most vital link with their bank – second only to cash machines.

The results indicate to financial services institutions developing multichannel customer service strategies that U.S. customers want the same personalized service that local branches deliver, regardless of whether the interaction is taking place in person, on the phone, using the Internet or a mobile device.  

Looking to the near future, 32 percent of U.S. consumers would like to use web chat when browsing financial websites, 24 percent would be happy to use click-to-call and 14 percent would like to use video chat. Mobile banking is gaining popularity as well, with more than one-quarter (27 percent) of respondents already trying some form of it and 34 percent of U.S. consumers eager to make mobile payments.  The call center, however, remains the preferred first stop for resolving a complaint or issue.  

Tom Regent, President Global Banking & Financial Markets and Sales & Marketing, BT Global Services, said: "Despite this being a tough time for financial services institutions, these results show they can strengthen trust and build stronger relationships with their customers by delivering truly local and personalized services through every channel they have. Innovations in customer service technology can help them achieve this. Whether it's in the branch or through remote channels such as mobile banking, technologies now exist that can link up customers to the right people and the right information in a cost-effective way.

"We know financial services institutions want to give their customers the most rewarding and enjoyable experience possible, but banks in particular are facing some of the toughest challenges of any sector and they have to prioritize investments that deliver to the bottom line. BT can help them achieve this at the branch level as well as in the multichannel contact center and deliver the service their customers demand," said Regent.

The study found that 55 percent of U.S. consumers have a strong relationship with their bank. Seventy-four percent of U.S. consumers say good service improves loyalty, which is the highest of the four countries surveyed (71 percent for the UK, 66 percent for Spain and 58 percent for Germany).

U.S. consumers also seemed more satisfied than other countries surveyed with customer service, with only 35 percent saying they wait too long on the phone to get through to a call center (versus 41 percent for the UK and 45 percent for Germany) and only 27 percent feeling that they wait too long to have a complaint resolved (versus 49 percent for Spain, 34 percent for the UK and 31 percent for Germany).

Kevin Reilly, Global Financial Services Vertical Leader, Avaya, said:  "While the frequency of customers visiting the branch is declining, the importance of those visits is increasing. Customers are also very clear that they still want that personal service, tailored to their specific needs at the time regardless of the method or channel they choose. Mobile and Smartphone apps can now offer unparalleled levels of personal contact between a financial institution and its customers.   It's important to note, however, that inherent in the expanded opportunities to engage with a customer is also an opportunity to fail, especially if a consumer experiences inconsistent service and information when using different channels."

The research exposed further cultural trends, which suggests that the more technologically advanced we become as consumers, the less tolerant we're going to be of poor customer service in personal finance. The research found that:

• Spanish consumers are using mobile browsers, smartphone apps, email and text messaging for banking more than most(1) – but they have to wait the longest to apply for a new account(2)
• Germans seem more focused on getting the best possible deal than quality of service(3)
• The US has the most competitive market and US consumers seem the most satisfied with service and interactions(4)

Notes to Editors

The survey was conducted by Davies Hickman Partners Ltd on behalf of BT and Avaya.  It was undertaken between 6 December 2011 and 3 January 2012. The total sample size was 2,000 UK, US, Spanish and German consumers and the survey was carried online.

(1) 49 per cent of consumers in Spain want to be notified by email, text or phone when a better deal is available (compared to 39 per cent in the UK, 33 per cent in Germany, and 28 per cent in the US)

(2) 40 per cent of Spanish consumers say they often or sometimes have to wait too long to apply for a new account, (compared to 22 per cent in the UK, 24 per cent in the US and 22 per cent in Germany)

(3) 66 per cent of German consumers agreed, 'I like to constantly review my financial products to check I am getting the best deal' (compared to Spain 58 per cent, UK 52 per cent, US 56 per cent). Whilst 56 per cent of German consumers are more likely to switch banks due to bad customer service than to get a slightly better deal (compared with 59 per cent in the US, 59 per cent in the UK and 45 per cent in the Spain)

(4) Only 32 per cent in the US say they often or sometimes have to wait too long in the queue at a bank branch (compared with 59% in the UK, 56% in Spain and 40% in Germany).  Similarly, 27 per cent in the US have to often or sometimes wait too long to have their complaint resolved (compared to 49% in Spain, 34% in the UK and 31% in Germany)

About BT

BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications services and solutions, serving customers in more than 170 countries.  Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to its customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services.  BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, BT Retail, BT Wholesale and Openreach.

In the year ended 31 March 2011, BT Group's revenue was 20,076m pounds Sterling with profit before taxation of 1,717m pounds.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group.  BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York. 

For more information, visit www.btplc.com

About Avaya:

Avaya is a global provider of business collaboration and communications solutions, providing unified communications, contact centers, networking and related services to companies of all sizes around the world. For more information please visit www.avaya.com.

Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "should" or "will" or other similar terminology. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. For a list and description of such risks and uncertainties, please refer to Avaya's filings with the SEC that are available at www.sec.gov. Avaya disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE BT Americas Inc.

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