There was an interesting headline in the news last week that grabbed my attention - St George Bank to 'decommission' online banking for mobile. I read this article with great interest, particularly since St. George was such an early mover in online banking. The message is confusing, as is the quote from the bank's CIO:

"We will have our first implementation for tablet in October 2014, a second mobile implementation in March 2015, and then desktop sometime in 2015, so we'll have it as one system altogether."

All this really tells me is that the bank is going to have a single digital platform and they are focusing on a mobile first approach. The next gen desktop implementation will arrive next year! This also begs the question of what really is mobile or desktop these days? Is a Windows 8.1 convertible unit a tablet or a desktop? If I access "online banking" through the web browser on my iPad is it online or mobile banking? It doesn't really matter. Customers expect to pick up their device of choice and have the appropriate experience. The burden is on the bank to provide it. The controversial nature of the headline certainly grabbed my attention. Online banking is far from dead. Feel free to add your comments, I'm interested in your opinion on the St. George bank announcement.