Background of the Study
Digital banking has emerged as a critical enabler in the transformation of retail banking, significantly reducing operational costs while enhancing service delivery. Polaris Bank in Kano State has been at the forefront of this digital revolution by adopting online platforms, mobile applications, and automated service delivery systems that streamline internal processes and reduce reliance on physical infrastructure. These innovations have led to cost savings through decreased branch overheads, reduced transaction processing times, and minimized manual errors (Okeke, 2023).
The transition to digital banking not only improves operational efficiency but also enables the bank to provide customers with convenient, round-the-clock access to financial services. The use of advanced analytics and real-time monitoring systems further enhances the bank’s ability to optimize resource allocation and manage risks more effectively. Additionally, digital banking facilitates faster customer onboarding and provides a scalable platform that can adapt to increasing transaction volumes without proportional increases in costs. However, while digital banking offers substantial cost benefits, challenges such as cybersecurity threats, system integration issues, and the initial capital investment for technology upgrades remain significant concerns. This study examines how Polaris Bank leverages digital banking to reduce operational costs, exploring both the tangible benefits and the challenges encountered in this digital transformation. The findings aim to provide insights into best practices for cost management in retail banking and contribute to strategic decision-making processes in the adoption of digital technologies (Chinwe, 2024; Akinola, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the potential for digital banking to reduce operational costs, Polaris Bank encounters several challenges that hinder the full realization of these benefits. The high initial investment in technology infrastructure and ongoing maintenance costs can offset the anticipated savings. Furthermore, system integration issues between legacy systems and new digital platforms sometimes lead to operational inefficiencies and service disruptions, which increase overall costs rather than reduce them. Cybersecurity concerns also necessitate significant expenditure on protective measures and risk management, which can further strain financial resources. Additionally, customer resistance to digital banking channels—often due to low digital literacy or trust issues—limits the widespread adoption of cost-saving technologies. These challenges create a gap between the theoretical cost reductions offered by digital banking and the practical realities faced by Polaris Bank. This study aims to identify the operational and technical issues that compromise the cost-saving potential of digital banking and to propose strategies that can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service reliability in a competitive market environment.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on Polaris Bank’s digital banking operations in Kano State. Limitations include technological changes, variations in customer adoption, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.
Definitions of Terms
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