The Strategic Edge of Internal Development Teams in Banks

In today’s dynamic banking landscape, most banks already have established IT teams, data analysts, and report writers. Why then are many banks now establishing internal development teams, and what benefits do they provide? This post delves into the benefits, risks, and challenges of such teams in banking and discusses how they can be structured for maximum efficiency.

TASKS HANDLED BY INTERNAL DEVELOPMENT TEAMS
The bank IT teams primarily focus on maintaining and securing existing technological infrastructure, providing support, and ensuring compliance. In contrast, development teams are more innovation-driven, tasked with creating new software solutions, integrating advanced technologies, like AI, and managing custom development projects. While IT handles the ongoing functionality and security of systems, Development propels technological growth and new service offerings.

Among the primary responsibilities of internal development teams are:

• • Integration with Third-Party Vendors and Business Partners:
    By leveraging APIs or implementing middleware, internal development teams ensure seamless integration with third-party vendors and business partners. This capability enables banks to expand their service offerings and enhance customer experiences, fostering growth and innovation.
  • Development of Automation and Efficiency Systems:
    Automating internal processes is crucial to streamlining operations, reducing errors, and increasing efficiency. This allows banks to allocate resources more effectively, focusing on strategic initiatives.
  • Improved Integration and Advanced Data Analytics:
    Internal teams facilitate cohesive system integration, enabling sophisticated data analytics. This leads to deeper insights into customer behaviors, market trends, and operational efficiencies.
  • Building Unique Solutions for Tailored Business Services:
    Equipped to create custom solutions, these teams cater to specific business needs, allowing banks to offer unique services and market to niche segments.
  • Innovation and New Technologies:
    The development team is typically focused on innovation. They research and implement new technologies that can improve banking operations, customer experience, or introduce new products and service

BENEFITS OF AN INTERNAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Having established the crucial role of bank internal development teams, it’s important to delve into the tangible benefits they bring. These teams are more than just a technical resource; they are strategic assets that drive significant advancements in banking operations and customer service. By aligning closely with the bank’s vision and harnessing the latest technology innovations, these teams enhance the bank’s ability to compete in a digital-centric financial world:

• 1. Shorter Time to Market: Accelerating the development and deployment of new banking products and services.
  2. Customized Solutions: Tailoring solutions to fit unique bank challenges and opportunities.
  3. Enhanced Customer Experience: Quickly responding to customer feedback and market changes.
  4. Greater Control Over Projects: Enhanced project management and alignment with business objectives.
  5. Agility in Compliance and Regulatory Adaptation: Swiftly adapting to changing regulations.
  6. Employee Engagement and Retention: Attracting top talent with innovative work environments and projects.
  7. Continuous Learning and Innovation Culture: Driving technological advancement and a mindset of improvement.

RISKS AND CHALLENGES
The establishment of internal development teams in banks, while beneficial, also comes with its own set of risks and challenges:

• 1. High Initial Investment: : Establishing an internal development team requires significant upfront investment in terms of hiring skilled professionals, training, and acquiring the necessary technology and tools.
  2. Security: Safeguarding sensitive financial data against breaches and cyber threats.
  3. Maintaining an Agile and Capable Team: Adapting to new technologies and methodologies.
  4. Knowledge Gap: Keeping up with technological advancements and best practices.
  5. Compliance: Ensuring developments comply with regulatory standards.
  6. Staff retention and attrition: Keeping staff motivated, fairly compensated and working within the cultural framework of the bank.

STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE RISKS AND CHALLENGES
In managing an internal development team within a banking environment, strategic measures are essential to mitigate potential risks and ensure the team operates efficiently, securely, and in compliance with industry standards. Here are some effective strategies:

1. 1. Implement Robust Security Protocols: Develop and enforce comprehensive security measures throughout the software development process, safeguarding sensitive data and systems against cyber threats.
   2. Establish a Well-Rounded Development Team: Build a team with diverse skill sets to cover all aspects of software development, including:
      • Technical Manager/Architect: Providing strategic guidance and ensuring projects align with the bank's goals.
      • Full Stack Developers: Handling end-to-end development tasks for comprehensive solution creation.
      • UI/UX Developers: Designing intuitive and secure user interfaces to enhance user engagement and safety.
   3. Adopt a Structured Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC): Implement a well-defined SDLC to manage the development process predictably and consistently, from conception to deployment and maintenance.
   4. Enforce Separation of Duties: Apply this principle to reduce biases, errors, and fraud risks by ensuring no single individual controls all aspects of any critical function.
   5. Embrace Agile Methodologies: Adopt agile frameworks to enhance flexibility, responsiveness to changing requirements, and receptiveness to feedback.
   6. Promote Continuous Learning and Training: Keep the team updated with the latest technologies and best practices through ongoing education and professional development.
   7. Conduct Regular Compliance Checks: Ensure all development activities adhere to the latest regulatory requirements to avoid non-compliance risks.
   8. Foster a Culture of Security and Compliance: Embed these critical aspects into every stage of the development process, creating a secure and compliant workplace culture.
      By implementing these strategies, banks can effectively navigate the challenges associated with internal development teams, ensuring they contribute positively to the bank’s technological advancements and business objectives. 

CONCLUSION AND BWT’s ROLE
While the benefits of internal development teams in the banking sector are clear, establishing and managing these teams can be a formidable challenge, especially for smaller or medium-sized banks. This is where BankWise Technology (BWT) comes into play. Not only does BWT act as a fractional development team, providing expertise and support in complex banking technology, but we also assist banks in building and nurturing their own internal development teams.

Our services extend beyond system integrations and innovative solution development. We provide strategic guidance and hands-on support in team structuring, skill development, and process implementation. By working closely with our banking partners, we help them cultivate and maintain a skilled internal team, capable of handling future technological challenges and innovations independently.

In partnering with BWT, banks gain more than a service provider; they gain a long-term ally in their journey towards digital transformation, innovation, and internal team development. BWT stands ready to empower your bank with the tools, knowledge, and support to navigate the digital landscape and to build a robust, innovative internal development team.

In the rapidly evolving world of digital banking, BWT is not just a solution provider; we are your partner in growth, innovation, and internal team development.