Banks Prioritize Digital Channels in 2026 Tech Spending
A Celent survey of 216 retail banking respondents finds digital channels lead bank technology investment priorities.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Banking
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More than half of banks ranked digital channels among their top three technology investment priorities in 2026, and about 80% planned to increase spending on them. Digital channels ranked highest in both investment priority and planned spending increases, according to the Celent Dimensions Survey 2026.
Why it matters
The shift reflects banks responding to customer demand for more personalized products and services delivered through digital means. Smaller institutions, meanwhile, are focusing on strengthening their existing cards and payment capabilities.
The Celent Dimensions Survey 2026 drew on 216 retail banking respondents, with more than 50% ranking digital channels in their top three technology priorities and roughly 70% planning higher fraud and financial crime spending. The survey does not report the monetary size of these increases or their trajectory against prior years.
The players
Celent
Celent is a research and advisory firm focused on financial services technology that publishes annual surveys tracking retail banking investment trends.
The details
Asia-Pacific banks placed the highest priority on product development compared with other regions, while in Europe 63% of larger banks and 50% of the smallest institutions included product innovation among their top three priorities. Smaller banks placed greater emphasis on cards and payment capabilities than larger institutions.
Timeline
- 2026: Banks set digital channels as a leading technology investment priority, as captured in the Celent Dimensions Survey 2026.
Market Dynamics
The 2026 Celent Dimensions Survey extends its annual retail banking series by showing digital channels ranked above other technology priorities across banks. This continues the broader move among banks to direct technology budgets toward customer-facing digital products and fraud defenses.
Customers may see banks expand digital product offerings and payment features as institutions direct more budget toward these areas. Account holders at smaller banks may notice a stronger focus on cards and payment services in the coming years.
The takeaway
When comparing banks, look at how they are investing in digital channels, payment tools, and fraud protection, since these areas are receiving the most new spending. Reviewing your bank's app and card features periodically can help you take advantage of improvements as they arrive.
Further reading
Explore more coverage of how digital change is reshaping Banking decisions and customer services.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Asian Banking & Finance.
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