Question

Write a memo outlining the impact that COVID-19 has had on credit risk for the financial institution.

Answer 1

Solution:

The COVID-19 pandemic could be the most serious challenge to financial institutions in nearly a century. As the economic fallout spreads, retail banks find themselves juggling some big priorities that require concrete steps to reposition now while also recalibrating for the future. They’re working to keep their distribution channels open, despite social distancing advice and supervisory and compliance functions that were never designed for remote work. They’re trying to manage revenue and customer expectations, despite near-zero interest rates and growing pressure on consumers. And, they need to keep an eye on strategy and brand issues that will define their future, as market forces and customer behaviors potentially change coming out of this crisis.

To address the COVID-19 impact on banking, financial institutions must craft a strategic response across the immediate-, short- and medium-term by adopting the appropriate digital technology enablers and innovations underpinned by agile delivery models. Some of the digital technology enablers include:

• Analytics and insights solutions to identify and prepare for new risks
• Business process reengineering and automation to ensure availability of digital banking services
• Artificial intelligence backed tools and conversational platforms to deal with surge in call volumes
• Video banking facilities