Banks: From Old School to Cool School
April 2023
London School of Economics (LSE)

Introduction
Dive into the financial future with the London School of Economics' eye-opening article on why banks are jazzing up their moves towards a banking-as-a-platform model. Discover how open banking reforms are shaking up the traditional banking scene, pushing banks towards more customer-friendly, platform-based models. Ever wondered why your bank suddenly seems more like your helpful financial buddy? This piece breaks down the techy trends and strategic shifts making banks cooler and more connected than ever. Get ready to be bank-smart!
READ FULL ARTICLEWhy It Matters
Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Banking on the Future
Imagine a world where your bank is more than just a place to store your money. A world where banks offer a wide variety of services, not just financial ones, making your life easier and more integrated. This is the essence of the banking-as-a-platform (BaaP) model, a revolutionary approach that is reshaping the banking industry. As banks evolve from traditional models to become more customer-oriented, they are adopting BaaP to offer seamless, user-friendly services. This shift matters because it's not just about banking; it's about how technology is transforming industries to better meet your needs. Understanding this change helps you see the potential for innovation in even the most established sectors. For you, this could mean more personalized banking services, easier access to financial tools, and a glimpse into the future of how businesses will serve their customers.
Speak like a Scholar

Banking-as-a-Platform (BaaP)
A model where banks offer a variety of services, including third-party ones, to create a comprehensive ecosystem for customers.

Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS)
A model where banks provide their infrastructure and services to other companies through technology, allowing them to offer banking services.

Fintech
A blend of "financial technology," referring to new tech that seeks to improve and automate the delivery of financial services.

Open Banking
A banking practice that provides third-party financial service providers open access to consumer banking, transaction, and other financial data from banks and non-bank financial institutions through the use of application programming interfaces (APIs).

Equity Investments
Investments made by purchasing shares of a company, giving the investor a stake in the company's equity.

Consumer Trust
The confidence consumers have in a company's ability to deliver on its promises, particularly regarding the protection of their data and privacy.
Independent Research Ideas

The Impact of Open Banking on Consumer Privacy
Investigate how the shift towards open banking and BaaP affects consumer privacy and trust, and the measures banks must take to protect it.

Fintech Startups vs. Traditional Banks
Explore how fintech startups are challenging traditional banks, the innovative solutions they offer, and how banks are responding to this competition.

The Role of Technology in Banking Evolution
Examine how advancements in technology, such as AI and blockchain, are driving the evolution from traditional banking to BaaP and BaaS models.

Partnerships in the Banking Sector
Analyze the role of partnerships between banks and third-party service providers in the BaaP model, focusing on the benefits and challenges of these collaborations.

Consumer Behavior and Banking Services
Study how consumer expectations are changing the banking industry, with a focus on the demand for more personalized and integrated services through the BaaP model.