Regional and community banks have long been the backbone of their communities, offering personalized service and deep local knowledge that larger institutions often struggle to match. Yet, as the financial landscape rapidly digitizes, these banks face a pivotal challenge: how to leverage their unique strengths while embracing the digital tools and experiences today’s customers expect. The path forward is not about choosing between high-tech and high-touch—it’s about finding the right balance to thrive in a new era.
Regional banks are at a crossroads. Their close customer relationships and community presence are powerful differentiators, but legacy technology, resource constraints, and rising customer expectations can make digital transformation feel daunting. Larger banks and digital-first challengers are setting new standards for convenience, personalization, and speed, raising the bar for everyone. Meanwhile, customers—accustomed to seamless digital experiences in other aspects of their lives—now expect the same from their bank, without sacrificing the trust and familiarity they value.
The urgency for digital transformation is clear. Digital banking is forecast to grow by over 50% in the coming years, and a majority of younger customers rarely visit branches if they can help it. At the same time, nearly all financial services businesses still rely on outdated legacy systems, which stifle innovation and increase operational costs. For regional banks, modernizing technology is not just about keeping up—it’s about unlocking new efficiencies, reducing risk, and creating the foundation for future growth.
While the barriers to transformation are real—limited budgets, legacy systems, and the need to maintain a human touch—regional banks are uniquely positioned to turn these challenges into opportunities:
A leading Thai bank partnered with Publicis Sapient to achieve a full-scale digital transformation in just 12 weeks. The bank’s ambition was to unify all account types and empower customers to manage their finances seamlessly in one place. This required more than a new app—it demanded a new business model and a robust, future-ready technology foundation. By assembling a multidisciplinary team and leveraging a cloud-native core banking platform, the bank launched a platform that enables rapid product innovation, meets stringent regulatory requirements, and positions the bank to adapt quickly to evolving customer expectations.
Another standout example is the work with Siam Commercial Bank, where Publicis Sapient helped launch a one-stop cloud and DevOps solution. This platform streamlines developer processes and accelerates the rollout of cutting-edge digital banking products and services. By modernizing its technology stack and embracing cloud-native development, the bank is now able to deliver new customer experiences faster and more efficiently than ever before.
With over 30 years of experience in digital business transformation, Publicis Sapient has helped regional and community banks around the world modernize their operations, elevate customer experience, and drive sustainable growth. Our SPEED approach—Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI—ensures that every transformation is holistic, actionable, and tailored to your unique context. We don’t just implement technology; we partner with you to co-create solutions that put your customers and community at the center.
The future of regional banking belongs to those who can blend the best of both worlds: the agility and innovation of digital leaders, and the trust and intimacy of a local institution. By embracing digital transformation as a means to amplify—not replace—their core strengths, regional banks can secure their place in the communities they serve and the digital economy of tomorrow.
Ready to unlock the future of your regional bank? Connect with Publicis Sapient’s experts to start your transformation journey today.