Banks need new lending solutions to protect themselves from economic upheaval

Digital Reinvention
20/02/2025Article
profile picture of Simon Cashmore

Simon Cashmore

Qorus

Copywriter

Lower demand for loans, higher defaults, and the growing risk of further shocks to the global financial system are forcing banks to expand and enhance their lending offerings.

 

Lending has been the foundation of the banking business for centuries. But now the volatility sweeping the global economy is forcing banks to develop an array of new lending solutions.

"Banks need to constantly innovate and transform themselves to adapt to the changing global economic landscape,” says Ram Devanarayanan, associate vice president and head of business consulting in Europe and UK at Infosys Finacle.

Stalling global GDP growth, at around 3%, rising inflationary pressures, and the prospect of tighter monetary policies around the world are fueling macroeconomic uncertainty, says Devanarayanan. Furthermore, global leverage at US$250 trillion is near an all-time high while worldwide credit losses look set to rise 7% to US$850 billion this year. These indicators point to more upheaval.

Banks should brace themselves for lower loan demand, higher defaults and further shocks to the global financial system. It’s essential that they review their business models and technology resources and develop lending solutions tailored to changing market conditions and new customer needs, warns Devanarayanan.

He was speaking at an online event hosted by Qorus and Infosys Finacle that examined key trends transforming lending. Representatives from Portuguese bank Millennium bcp, and Alliance Bank Malaysia also shared insights into new lending trends among banks, neobanks and other finance providers.

Devanarayanan highlighted three aspects of banking that institutions should address when creating new lending solutions – business model innovation, advanced technologies, and inclusive and sustainable lending.

Want to keep reading?

Create a web account to get access to more insights

Related news & insights

31/03/2025Interview

At work with Greg Krasnov

Greg Krasnov is the Founder of Tonik, the first neobank in the Philippines. In a chat with Qorus’ Boris Plantier,...

Digital Reinvention
27/03/2025Article

Financial Innovation Spotlight – March 2025 edition

This month’s Financial Innovation Spotlight features five eye-catching initiatives from around the world by Burbank, KasikornBank, ING Spain, CIMB Bank...

Digital Reinvention
27/03/2025News

Westpac launches SafeBlock to combat scammers

This innovative tool allows users to immediately block their accounts via the Westpac app or online banking, preventing further transactions...

Digital Reinvention
26/03/2025Interview

Neobanks and the next steps: MoneyLion

More than just a simple neobank, MoneyLion is a top financial marketplace and ecosystem in the United States with more...

26/03/2025News

Tonik partners with Robinsons Appliances to expand access to digital financing

In a move to enhance financial accessibility, Tonik, the Philippines' credit-led digital bank, has partnered with Robinsons Appliances, one of...

ESG
26/03/2025News

Nationwide launches 'Easy Read' guides to improve banking accessibility

These guides, available online and in branches, use pictures and simple language to help individuals better understand essential banking processes....

Digital Reinvention
25/03/2025Article

Cambodia's banking evolution: Trust and innovation at the forefront

With significant advancements in digital banking, robust cybersecurity measures, and transparent regulatory frameworks, the country is positioning itself as a...

Digital Reinvention
24/03/2025Article

Innovation of the Month: MoraBanc’s stablecoin-powered digital asset settlement

Opening a new round of Qorus Banking Innovation of the Month awards, we are pleased to announce the winner for...