In a series of nine case studies, Celent highlights the role of direct channels in market entry strategies.

In a new report, , Celent examines the level of success of a number of direct banks around the world, and shows that direct banking has proved a viable alternative to penetrate new markets.

The report examines the successes and failures of direct banks around the world. Case studies are provided for ING Direct (Canada), Tesco Personal Finance (UK), The One Account (UK), IYBank (Japan), Citizens Bank of Canada (Canada), Banque Directe (France), President痴 Choice Financial (Canada), Inteligo (Poland), and Egg (UK).

"While the branch has remained the primary sales driver for multichannel banks, direct channels have been frequently used with success by new entrants to penetrate overbranched markets, mostly Canada and Western Europe, and to a lesser extent the US, where acquiring banks and deploying branches has remained an attractive option due to the fragmentation of the banking industry," points out Gwenn B騷ard, a senior analyst at Celent and author of the report.

"Direct channels have added to the distribution costs of incumbents. But for new entrants, they have become instrumental to enter new markets rapidly and cost-effectively," adds B騷ard.

The 46-page report contains 36 figures and two tables. A is available online.

of Celent Communications' Retail Banking research service can download the report electronically by clicking on the icon to the left. Non-members should contact info@celent.com for more information.