While the value of payments processing is clear to financial institutions around the world, associated issues and opportunities vary by geography.

Boston, MA, October 28, 2009 – A new report from Aite Group, LLC identifies the issues faced by banks and credit unions implementing wholesale payments processing strategies in global economies of varying sizes. The report discusses how these financial institutions and their technology vendors plan to address these issues, and identifies additional opportunities for vendors in a US$2.5 billion market that is evolving toward vendor solutions.

For banks and credit unions, payments processing has moved from a purely operational offering to a strategic opportunity, as well as a growing concern. The payments franchise is a capability that financial institutions seeking to deepen client relationships and expand product and service offerings want to leverage. These institutions face issues, however, which differ depending on the type of economy in which they reside. Developing and emerging economies, for example, are focused on creating payments clearing and settlement components, but lack the technology infrastructures enjoyed by advanced economies. Advanced economies, on the other hand, may find their technology infrastructures antiquated or expensive to maintain.

"Market forces and regulatory compliance are contributing to massive changes in payments markets in many parts of the world," says Nancy Atkinson, senior analyst with Aite Group and author of this report. "Financial institutions can deal with these challenges by deploying technology to reduce their cost structure and allow for quick and easy introduction of new services."

The report is the first of two addressing the wholesale payments market; the second report will profile vendors that help financial institutions with payments processing issues.

This 38-page Impact Report contains 12 figures and two tables. Clients of Aite Group's Wholesale Banking service can download the report by clicking on the icon to the right.

Related Aite Group Research:

• Optimizing Corporate Receivables: A Boon to Banks
• The Mobile Transactions Landscape: Mapping New Territory
• IT Services Vendors in Banking: Facing-Off Against Core Banking Processors
• Bank Performance: Why IT Management Matters

To purchase this report or
for additional information,
please contact:
Aite Group Sales
Tel: +1.617.338.6050
sales@aitegroup.com