Challenges, drivers and best methods related to the implementation of a CBS : case study Luxembourg banks

Abstract

This research focuses on the implementation of a CBS in Luxembourg banks which represents one of the greatest transformation challenges for them. This transformation disrupts completely the IT architecture of the banks and induces high investment costs. In addition, the high rate of failure of CBS implementation projects represents a major threat for banks and does not lead them from initiating such projects. The goals pursued by this study are classified in three parts but all aim at exploring and detailing the pros and cons involved in the implementation of the CBS. External market elements such as new regulations, customer’s new requirements and disruptive technology make the operation of the activities with a legacy CBS more and more difficult. It emphasizes how the implementation of CBS represents a hot topic for a majority of banks. Therefore KPMG Luxembourg launched its KPMG Core Banking System Survey in 2016 to analyse the trends driving the Luxembourg banks concerning the CBS replacement topic and its associated implementation project. The survey provided this research with data collected from surveyed banks. Indeed, a questionnaire has been sent to the participating banks whose replies have been leveraged to answer the topics addressed in this study. In addition to the survey findings, scientific literature, i.e. articles has been analysed to respond the research questions which have allowed this thesis to draw up statements by taking into account findings of both methods. Regarding the challenges related to the implementation of a CBS, the study identified managing such a big transformation as the biggest issue for the banks. Despite the existence of such challenge and other ones mentioned in this research, banks still wants to implement a new CBS because of the benefits associated with a modern CBS. The main CBS renewal driver retrieved from the findings of this survey is to help cover business requirements. Finally, this study evaluated the performance of the current CBSs operating in the banks and the findings show that the majority of the CBSs would have difficulties to handle changes in the business activities of the banks. This study, by pointing out these findings, aims at providing better and relevant information for the banks to make their decisions for the topics related to the implementation of a CBS. Additional studies on the CBS implementation are needed to fill in the scientific resource gaps which have been identified by this study when constructing the literature review.