Global Tech Spending in Banking: A $650 Billion Dilemma

In 2023, global technology spending in the banking sector reached an astonishing $650 billion, a figure that rivals the GDP of countries like Belgium and Sweden. This substantial investment reflects a growing trend, with tech spending in banking increasing at an average rate of 9% per year. However, despite these significant financial commitments, many banks are struggling to fully realize the benefits of their technology investments. According to a report by McKinsey & Co., the disparity between tech spending and revenue growth—averaging only 4%—raises critical questions about the effectiveness of these expenditures.

The Productivity Paradox

One of the most alarming findings from McKinsey’s report is the declining productivity among U.S. banks. Since 2010, productivity has been falling at an average rate of 0.3% per year. This trend is particularly concerning given the scale of investments being made. The challenge lies not only in the sheer volume of spending but also in how these funds are allocated. Many banks fail to disclose specific details about their technology expenditures, making it difficult to assess the effectiveness of their investments.

The Allocation of Tech Budgets

A significant portion of technology budgets at large banks is consumed by "run the bank" and "mandatory change" spending, which can account for up to 70% of total tech budgets. These categories include essential expenditures such as infrastructure hardware and software, IT operations, and regulatory compliance. While these are necessary for maintaining operations, they leave little room for strategic investments that could drive competitive differentiation. This lack of flexibility in budget allocation hampers banks’ ability to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions.

Leadership and Strategic Investment

Another critical issue is the disconnect between bank executives and their technology departments. Many executives feel ill-equipped to make informed decisions about technology investments, often delegating these responsibilities to their tech teams. However, tech departments may lack a comprehensive understanding of the bank’s overall business strategy, leading to misaligned investments. To overcome this challenge, banks must foster collaboration between business leaders and technology teams, ensuring that tech investments align with corporate goals.

Aligning Investments with Corporate Strategy

For banks to drive shareholder value, they need to adopt a more strategic approach to their technology investments. Successful banks are those that align their investments with their growth targets. For instance, investing in a mobile app can enhance digital sales and services, but it may also lead to a decline in branch foot traffic and contact-center volumes. Conversely, investing in a branch platform can improve in-branch sales and employee satisfaction. By carefully evaluating where the greatest opportunities lie, banks can make informed decisions that support their corporate strategy and expected financial outcomes.

The Importance of Stability

Investors tend to reward banks that demonstrate stability over time. According to McKinsey, banks with consistent revenue growth and less volatile returns on tangible equity (ROTEs) tend to outperform their peers. This highlights the importance of not only making significant investments but also ensuring that those investments contribute to long-term stability and growth.

Looking Ahead: Challenges on the Horizon

As banks look toward 2025, they face a myriad of challenges, including labor productivity issues, regulatory changes, and the increasing presence of non-traditional competitors. To navigate this complex landscape, banks must prioritize strategic investments that enhance their competitive positioning while also addressing operational efficiencies.

Conclusion

The $650 billion spent on technology in banking in 2023 underscores the industry’s commitment to modernization and innovation. However, the inability of many banks to fully capture the benefits of these investments raises critical questions about their strategic focus and operational efficiency. By aligning technology spending with corporate strategy, fostering collaboration between business and tech teams, and prioritizing stability, banks can better position themselves to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with the right approach, banks can turn their tech investments into a powerful driver of growth and shareholder value.