Insights: Real estate key to banking & finance sector reaching digital, workforce and ESG goals

Press Release, Singapore (Colliers) -- Foundational shifts across the banking and finance sector are presently underway, with a transformative focus on digital, workforce and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities, according to Colliers. 

Having invested significantly in technology, people and workplaces, banking and finance companies today find themselves at an inflection point, Colliers experts have highlighted. 

"Customer expectations are evolving at speed," Mike Davis, Colliers' Managing Director, Occupier Services - Asia Pacific, said. "Digital transformation has reset workplace dynamics. Workforce needs and daily work patterns have changed. And now, the net zero urgency is real and immediate.

"Today, as banks and financial services firms rethink their future with Artificial Intelligence and next-gen technologies, integrating a diverse workforce with new ways of working, real estate plays a massive role in influencing positive business outcomes. It holds the key to powering the industry's digital, workforce and ESG goals."

Colliers has found physical offices have a profound impact; particularly on an organisation's digital transformation journey. 

"The office sets the ground for innovation and new technology adoptions – a critical imperative for players in the hyper-competitive banking and finance industry," Mr Davis said. "Offices provide an absolute opportunity to ensure customer experience along with employee satisfaction and productivity, collectively contributing to overall business performance while also addressing climate action goals." 

Colliers found there was a consensus among decision-makers today on the direct impact of real estate portfolio performance on the bottom line and overall success of an organisation.

"Strategic alignment of the real estate portfolio, its locations and business strategy support more informed decisions to optimise investments and opportunities and minimise risks while fuelling long-term success across chosen markets," Mr Davis said. 

"Hybrid or remote work is adding new dimensions to the location strategy, with portfolios expanding and diversifying to include 'hub' and digital campus-type delivery models, as more occupiers are now exploring suburban and peripheral locations.

"There are also massive shifts in the ways office lease transactions are done today. For instance, our research and client interactions indicate that more occupiers are exploring shorter lease terms and flexible space to drive efficiency and construct diversified portfolios that cater to different ways of working."

According to Colliers, the Asia Pacific region has possibly the most exciting 12 months ahead, globally, both in terms of money coming into Asia Pacific and Asian money looking to be deployed into other regions.

To find out more, read Colliers' latest Expert Talks report.

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About Colliers 

Colliers is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 66 countries, our 18,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert real estate and investment advice to clients. For more than 28 years, our experienced leadership with significant inside ownership has delivered compound annual investment returns of approximately 20% for shareholders. With annual revenues of $4.5 billion and $98 billion of assets under management, Colliers maximizes the potential of property and real assets to accelerate the success of our clients, our investors and our people. Learn more at corporate.colliers.com, Twitter @Colliers or LinkedIn.