November 15, 2013 - Mobile banking is becoming an increasingly prominent element of the way people manage their finances.

A new study conducted by Accenture has revealed that mobile banking activity in the US has increased by almost 50 per cent since 2012. The report went on to note that almost a third of customer utilise mobile banking features and tools at least once a month.Consumers questioned by the company also believes that online banking is the single most important area for financial institutions to invest in and develop in the short and long-term.

However, the study revealed that US banks cannot focus completely on mobile and online banking, as nearly 80 per cent of customers expect to visit their local branch just as frequently - or even more frequently - in five years' time. This is down to the fact 66 per cent of them still prefer to talk to a person rather than purchase a banking product online.