Truth | Page 17

PEER-TO-PEER NETWORKS ARE CHALLENGING ESTABLISHED PLAYERS NEW CHALLENGES NEW OPPORTUNITIES Peer-to-peer finance (P2P) represents a similar threat to traditional banks as eBay did to a host of retailers. The challenge for traditional financial players is to re-establish their relevance to consumers and communicate that their offering can rival that of P2P networks. Brands have responded to the threat of P2P in different ways. Some financial brands have looked to harness the power of P2P by establishing networks between their customers; for example focused on financial advice sharing. Others have partnered with P2P providers In the UK, Santander and Royal Bank of Scotland have struck partnerships with P2P firms. However, the biggest opportunity for brands here is to learn from the P2P service providers to remain competitive. Financial providers should look to solutions that feel personalised and offer freedom and greater autonomy, both on how consumers’ funds are invested and how their returns are realised. 17 PR ES E N T A N D P O T E NTIA L F UTURE S IN F IN A N CIA L SE RVICES