Engaging Gen Z - Crafting a New Era of Digital Banking
Sep 19, 2023
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Brendan Coughlin, Vice Chairman and Head of Consumer Banking at Citizens, discusses engaging Gen Z in the banking industry. Topics include meeting the demands of Gen Z, transforming banking with digitalization and human connection, aligning with Gen Z's values, understanding their needs, and adopting a test and learn mindset in the digital banking industry.
Gen Z values effectiveness of digital capabilities and value creation over convenience when choosing a bank.
To engage Gen Z, banks must prioritize innovation, offer seamless digital experiences, and differentiate themselves from fintech startups.
Deep dives
The Importance of Gen Z in Banking
Gen Z and younger consumers are reshaping the landscape of banking products, channels, and engagement strategies. Banks need to connect with and build loyalty among this emerging demographic by understanding their unique preferences, behaviors, and technological fluency. Convenience is no longer the main factor in choosing a bank for Gen Z; effectiveness of digital capabilities and value creation have become more important. Banks must think beyond self-service and provide advice, help, and real-time insights to make customers feel financially confident and empowered. They also need to differentiate themselves through innovative products, services, and branding to provide tangible value and attract Gen Z.
Understanding Gen Z's Core Needs and Values
Gen Z consumers describe themselves as financially anxious and want to feel empowered and confident about their finances. Digital banking should go beyond self-service and help them get closer to their money, make better financial decisions, and offer value day in and day out. Banks must provide advice, help customers interpret their financial data, and offer relevant insights based on their spending habits and financial goals. This personalized approach to banking ensures that Gen Z feels supported and financially fit. Banks must also go beyond traditional products, such as checking accounts and credit cards, and offer unique value propositions to differentiate themselves from competitors.
Challenges and Opportunities for Banks in Reaching Gen Z
Winning the attention and trust of Gen Z requires a shift in banking strategies. Banks must understand that Gen Z is used to making decisions with a touch of a button and can quickly switch to alternative solutions. To engage Gen Z, banks should focus on offering seamless digital experiences, cutting-edge technology, and innovative products. Traditional banks need to prioritize innovation, challenge themselves to provide better value, and differentiate themselves from fintech startups by bringing together all the pieces of their financial services wallet in a seamless way. By doing so, banks can position themselves as the holistic and trustworthy choice for Gen Z.
Key Strategies for Success in Banking with Gen Z
Citizens Bank has taken several steps to target and engage Gen Z. They have innovated in the student loan and buy-now-pay-later space, providing distinctive value and capturing a sizable customer base. Citizens Bank has also modernized their marketing approach, leveraging platforms like TikTok and partnering with influencers like Eli Manning to authentically connect with Gen Z. Moreover, they have transformed credit underwriting, using machine learning and AI to analyze various data points beyond FICO scores. By embracing technology, providing seamless digital experiences, and taking social and environmental causes seriously, banks can successfully capture and retain Gen Z customers.
With their unique preferences, behaviors, and technological fluency, Gen Z and younger consumers are reshaping the landscape of banking products, channels, and engagement strategies.
With this in mind, how do banks connect with and build loyalty among the emerging Gen Z demographic. What technologies, products and messaging matters?
Joining us on the Banking Transformed podcast is a true expert in the field, Brendan Coughlin, Vice Chairman and Head of Consumer Banking at Citizens. Brendan has extensive experience in navigating these dynamic shifts, providing invaluable insights into this very demanding segment of the population.
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