20 August 2024: Consumers across the UK who are using digital financial management tools report being on average £37.08 better off per month, or £445* better off per year, compared to pre-adoption. Today, as many as 7.6 million** Brits are already using digital financial management tools, meaning this group is gaining up to a total of £3.38*** billion collectively each year.
If we widen this out, and every person in the UK over the age of sixteen started using digital financial management tools, this could represent the equivalent of a potential extra £24.5**** billion going into consumer wallets each year.
This is according to new research released by Tink, a market-leading data enrichment and payment services platform.
Consumers using digital financial management tools to improve financial health during the cost of living crisis
Tink’s research comes at a time when an estimated three quarters (75%) of consumers surveyed across the UK say they are mindful about what they are buying because the cost of goods is so high.
When asked about personal finance goals for the year ahead, almost half of consumers surveyed said they wanted to build savings pots (49%). More than a quarter surveyed want to cut off unnecessary expenses (27%) or build an emergency fund (26%).
It is no surprise therefore that consumers are using the money saved through digital financial management tools to work towards these personal finance goals. Over a third (39%) of those surveyed used the extra funds to increase their savings contributions and almost one in four (23%) paid down their debt.
This suggests a clear link between using these services and improved financial health.
Digital financial management tools build engagement and loyalty for banks
Banks seeking a competitive edge have an opportunity to capitalise on clear consumer demand for digital financial management tools. Half of consumers (50%) surveyed would like their banking app to help them track spending on subscriptions, and over a third (37%) would like their bank to give them better visibility over their finances.
The survey also suggests that some consumers are more likely to consider switching banks to gain access to better support and tools to help them manage their finances. Over a third (36%) of respondents say they would switch to another bank if it provided them with tailored support to meet their financial goals. A similar number (32%) would switch to another bank if it provided them with tools to track and manage their spending.
As well as driving loyalty and engagement, respondents from a separate Tink survey of banking executives reported additional benefits from providing these services. Almost half (46%) of banks offering digital financial management tools reported seeing increased ‘top of wallet’ behaviour in consumers - such as greater card usage and higher payment volumes.
Jack Spiers, UK&I Banking & Lending Director at Tink, comments: “It’s clear that financial management tools can make a material difference to a consumer's finances. In addition to improved financial health, our research shows consumers have also reported a wide range of wellbeing and lifestyle benefits. These vary from reduced stress levels to increased happiness, as well as less time spent on managing money.
“At the same time, there are clear advantages to banks offering these tools to their customers. In a competitive retail banking market, banks have an opportunity to differentiate their offer and meet evolving consumer expectations by helping their customers better manage their finances.”
ENDS
*Calculated by multiplying the monthly mean of £37.08 by twelve.
**Calculated on the basis that the 16+ UK population figure is 55,190,347, as reported on by the ONS 2022 midyear estimates. When surveyed, 13.8% of UK consumer survey respondents said they were “aware of digital financial management tools and already use them”.
***The number of people aware of financial management tools and using them as calculated in (3) multiplied by the monthly mean saving of £37.08.
****Calculated by multiplying the monthly mean of £37.08 by twelve and then multiplied on the basis that the 16+ UK population figure is 55,190,347, as reported on by the ONS 2022 midyear estimates.
Notes to editor:
Banking research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Tink in May 2024 amongst 101 retail banking executives who are based in the HQ function (aged 18+).
Consumer research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Tink in May 2024 amongst a nationally representative sample of 2,010 consumers aged 16+ in the UK. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
Case studies, statistics, research and recommendations are provided “AS IS” and intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for operational, marketing, legal, technical, tax, financial or other advice. Tink does not make any warranty or representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the Information within this document, nor assume any liability or responsibility that may result from reliance on such Information. The Information contained herein is not intended as legal advice, and readers are encouraged to seek the advice of a competent legal professional where such advice is required.
About Tink:
Tink, A Visa Solution, is a market-leading open banking platform serving some of the world’s largest financial institutions. Tink provides payments, banking, and lending solutions that power the new world of finance – whether that’s initiating account-to-account payments, onboarding new users, enabling better risk decisions or creating engaging money management tools. A wholly owned subsidiary of Visa, Tink was founded in Stockholm in 2012. Today, Tink and Visa’s open banking solutions are present in 20 markets, with 13,000 connections to financial institutions. Tink enables its partners to offer data-driven experiences that help eliminate complexity for millions of consumers across the globe. For more information visit tink.com.
Contact details:
firstlight group, tinkteam@firstlightgroup.io
(+44) 7856 460 498, Bev Noble