Hidden sting for Bank of Ireland mortgage customers

BoI has used contract small print to substantially raise the interest rates of some of its base-rate tracker mortgages. BoI told customers that the cost of funding mortgages has increased due to higher capital requirements. This move risks customer upset and reputational damage. Competitors with a similar opportunity should raise capital through less controversial routes.

Published By Datamonitor

Hong Kong: strong consumer demand but a lack of developments in the mobile payments sector

The uptake of mobile payment tools is highly varied on a global level. In Hong Kong, consumer demand is strong, but a lack of developments is threatening to inhibit the sector's growth. Further investment is needed if the industry is to move forward under a unified infrastructure.

Published By Datamonitor

HSBC joins the remuneration revolution

HSBC has changed its bonus schemes so that staff are no longer rewarded for the number or value of products they sell; instead bonuses will be linked to customer satisfaction and sales quality. By focusing on customer service HSBC hopes to restore consumer confidence following a number of mis-selling scandals.

Published By Datamonitor

India's credit card market holds untapped potential

Datamonitor's latest report on the payment cards market in India shows that the pay later segment - and credit cards in particular - are still poorly represented in the country. However, there are huge potential earnings in some niche segments such as affluent customers, due to their use of premium cards.

Published By Datamonitor

ING Direct rebranding triggers consumer anger

Capital One's takeover and rebranding of ING Direct in the US has been greeted with dismay by many of the online provider's customers. While ING Direct is respected for its customer service, Capital One is less well-regarded. Many customers may leave as a result, thus demonstrating the crucial importance of building and maintaining a strong reputation.

Published By Datamonitor

Insurance.com: winning customers with content

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Interest-only mortgages to become a niche line of business

High street lenders are winding down their interest-only offers ahead of incoming FSA rules. Interest-only will become a niche product aimed at the high-end mortgage market.

Published By Datamonitor

Internet-only entrants unlikely

Consumers are increasingly moving towards digital channels for their banking. However, it is unlikely that we will see new internet-only providers.

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JCB learns from experience with new mobile wallet

The JCB Mobile Wallet will require significant long-term investment to garner any real payoffs - particularly with regards to its features and offers - as nearly half of Japanese consumers currently have a mobile wallet but do not use it.

Published By Datamonitor

Jump Money: helping consumers to identify gaps in their protection cover

Consumers are worryingly disengaged from the life insurance industry. Datamonitor's Financial Services Consumer Insight Survey 2011 reveals that only 43% of consumers in the UK have any form of life insurance. Even those consumers who actually have insurance may be holding cover that does not adequately meet their needs. Jump Money's online tool therefore aims to inform and engage customers.

Published By Datamonitor