Bank Cler and Zak: How to succeed in digital banking
Mariateresa Vacalli is CEO of Bank Cler, a subsidiary of the larger Basler Kantonalbank (BKB), a traditional local incumbent in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. She needs to secure the successful future of Bank Cler and its mobile bank Zak, in an increasingly digitally connected and competitive space. The variety of disruptive business models with a range of online financial services offerings backed by traditional banks, foreign competitors and fintechs poses a complex challenge. After attracting many customers following its launch in 2018, Bank Cler’s mobile-only bank Zak has seen its number of customers stagnating. Having analyzed the business models of other digital banks and the threat of tech giants entering and competing in the Swiss market, Mariateresa needs to choose whether to focus on the existing omnichannel strategy and customer segments or expand internationally.
- The case allows students to step into the shoes of the CEO of Bank Cler, a subsidiary the traditional BKB bank and to choose between strategic options for its digital bank Zak to respond to increasing competition from digital banks and startups in the financial services space. Assessing information about digital offerings, disruptive and traditional players, and market dynamics encourages comparisons of value curves, Business Model Canvases and Strategy Diamonds to justify the strategic choice.
Bank Cler, Finance and Insurance, Banking
2019-2021
Cranfield University
Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]
Harvard Business School Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]
NUCB Business School
1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]
IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Once again, Donald Trump has promised bold yet unspecified moves that will add to the uncertainty facing executives. Business leaders must cut through the "policy fog" by focusing on what the re-elected President can actually control, comprehensiv...
The mention of geopolitics leads many to ask how company strategies are being reformulated to capitalize on what's left of globalization. But this overlooks a critical prior question: what's the best way for firms to track and assess geopolitical ...
Here are three strategic lessons from the tramp shipping industry.
Shipping is a unique industry, and tramp shipping is a niche sector within it. Yet, in an age of growing market disruption and uncertainty, it has some key lessons for strategic management in other industries.
Most annual predictions fail to provide actionable insights for executives. Here are two approaches to better discern the implications for your business.
Companies need clear guidance to achieve sustainable business transformation. A practical roadmap identifying drivers for effective change can make success more likely.
In June 2024, at the CocoaCrafters Operating Centre, Elena Fever faced a crucial meeting with the board of directors. The discussion surrounded how to integrate Generative AI (GenAI) into the company’s supply chain strategy to enhance forecasting ...
Strategic thinking is widely acknowledged as a critical leadership capability, yet many executives struggle to consistently prioritize it.
With fact-checking out and community-driven moderation in, Meta is betting big on free speech – but critics warn the move could open the floodgates for disinformation and online harm.
When the dotcom bubble burst in March 2000, this did not stop the world from going digital, but it did poke holes in the concept of trust, especially in the digital world. David Goldenberg, a Belgian entrepreneur with extensive experience in manag...
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD 13 January 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Case reference: IMD-7-2593 ©2024
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Case reference: IMD-7-2611 ©2024
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications