Banking SWOT Analysis Example

In this post there is a comprehensive example for a banking SWOT analysis. Please note that there are also two more banking SWOT examples on this website, available at:

In addition, you should note that this banking SWOT analysis was generated using the free SWOT analysis Excel template (read more or review the video at the bottom of this page) that you can download for free on this website below.

Download your free SWOT analysis Excel template here… free-SWOT-maker-Excel-template

Example SWOT Analysis for a Large Bank

Quick Introduction: Assumptions and Logic Behind the Banking SWOT

This SWOT has been developed with the logical and fair assumption that larger banks have natural economic and customer base advantages in the marketplace, as compared to their smaller competitors.

However, as we know, in strength there is also weakness which means that large banks also have challenging marketing environments to deal with and are more likely to suffer from strategic rigidity and internal silos.

Here are some thoughts starters for preparing a SWOT analysis for a large bank.

SWOT Strengths for a Large Bank

Effective CRM program
Attracting many new customers
Focus on internal marketing
Easy access to capital and funding
Beneficial economies of scale
Valuable customer database information
Strong technical expertise
IT/software expertise
Highly automated systems
Effective new product development process
Established strategic alliances
Digital marketing expertise
Strong brand equity
Multi-channel success
Global coverage and reach
Analytical marketing approach
Product leadership
Broad product range
Strong market share
Good understanding of the customer journey
Developed positive customer experiences
Advanced use of marketing automation
Use and development of AI tools

SWOT Weaknesses for a Large Bank

Product-centric strategy
Marketing myopia
Fluctuating marketing success
Not overly close to the customer
Not meeting changing consumer needs
Low levels of customer satisfaction
Declining net promoter scores
Silo-based culture
Inflexible staff structure
Resistance to change
Interest rate management
Poor service levels
Many emerging new entrants
Losing acquisition opportunities to key competitors
Dynamic competitive landscape
Broad competitive set
Significant channel conflict
Poorly regarded in the industry
Seen as having a inconsistent brand
Seen as being disinterested in corporate social responsibility
No consumer connection to the brand
Many negative attitudes to the brand
Poor NPS scores

SWOT Opportunities for a Large Bank

Broaden our product range to target new segments
Shift to a customer-centric marketing outlook
More effectively manage customer expectations
Develop and target clear brand personas
Shift from silos to a team-based culture
Develop an innovation culture
Use automation to improve performance
Leverage our big data
Data mining of our customer database
Become a first-mover in an emerging markets
Lobby the government for improved legislation
Introduce new, modern technology and/or systems
Become a disruptive innovator
Aggressively challenge new players
Improve overall social media engagement
Increase our corporate social responsibility image
Improve attitudes towards our brand
Leverage our market insights
Expand our number of stores/outlets
Develop break-through new products

SWOT Threats for a Large Bank

Growing cost of technology
Excessive cost of big data
New products cannibalizing our existing sales
Reaching market saturation
A disconnected, and less loyal, customer base
Increased operating/technology costs
Limited internal marketing
Interest rate fluctuations
International exchange rates
Enterprise bargaining issues
Being too slow to adapt to change
Online fraud
Scams and phishing
Disruptive innovation
Breach of data/privacy issues
Disruptive new competitors
Competitors providing more “value add”
Being challenged by well-funded start-ups
Emerging FinTechs
Changing consumer behavior and lifestyles
Negative attitudes to the brand
Limited corporate social responsibility brand image
Poor publicity in the media
Limited success in creating engaging content
Negative influencer comments

Video on How to Use the Free SWOT Analysis Excel Template – So You Can Design Your Own Banking SWOT

Visual SWOT Analysis for a Large Bank

Note: This output was produced by the free SWOT Excel template – available for immediate download at the top of this page.

Quick Overview: What is SWOT Analysis? (A Marketing Perspective)

SWOT analysis is a tool designed to evaluates an organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in order to identify and construct a marketing strategy.

For marketers, usually the central elements of the SWOT is the intersection of STRENGTHS and OPPORTUNITIES . This is because, as marketers, we are seeking to leverage our competitive advantage/s into new areas of growth and opportunity.

Our strengths are the INTERNAL components of the organization that provide it with a competitive advantage in the marketplace. In terms of marketing, we are typically looking for strengths in the areas of:

Brand equity and loyalty
Customer loyalty and satisfaction
Product positioning
Product quality
Product range
Locations/channel advantages
Logistics
Cost structure (for pricing)
Service levels

And then we ideally want to MATCH some of these strengths to opportunities, especially in the areas of:

Emerging customer needs and trends
New consumer segments
Technology development (for new products)
New channels (and partners)
Marketing automation tools and AI
Enhanced customer experience needs
Market development and growth
Customer relationships and customer lifetime value

NOTE: Obviously, most businesses will also need to consider weaknesses and threats – but the above simplified description is an ideal starting point for marketing strategy development.

Helpful Resources for preparing Bank SWOT Analysis

SWOT Ideas for a Large Bank

Banking SWOT Analysis Example