Buying or building software: what's the best option for banks?

2 minutes de lecture
4/30/25 5:29 PM
Buying or building software: what's the best option for banks?
4:26

When a bank wants to develop new software or enhance its existing systems, it is often faced with the dilemma: to buy or to build? This crucial choice can have a major impact on operational efficiency, employee and even customer satisfaction, and of course overall costs. In this article, we'll look at the pros and cons of each approach, focusing on the specific needs of the banking sector.

The advantages of buying software for banks

Speed of implementation

One of the main advantages of buying software for a bank is speed of implementation. Software suppliers have already developed ready-to-use solutions that can be easily integrated into existing systems. This enables banks to introduce new functionalities and respond quickly to changing customer needs.

Cost reduction

Purchasing software is generally more cost-effective for banks than developing it themselves. Developing software in-house can be costly in terms of labor, resources and time. By purchasing software that has already been developed, banks can save on these costs and focus on other strategic priorities.

Specialized expertise

Software suppliers often have specialized expertise in the banking sector. They understand the specific needs of banks in terms of risk management, regulatory compliance and data security. By purchasing software from these suppliers, banks can benefit from this expertise to improve their operational processes and deliver a better user experience.

Regular updates

Software suppliers are committed to maintaining and regularly updating their products. This means that banks benefit from the latest features and security enhancements without having to invest additional resources. Regular updates also ensure that the software remains compliant with ever-changing regulations.

The benefits of building software for banks

Customization

One of the main advantages of building software for banks is the ability to customize it to their specific needs. Banks can develop tailor-made functionalities that meet their exact requirements and those of their customers. This allows greater flexibility and control over operational processes.

Intellectual property

By building software in-house, banks can own their own intellectual property. This means they have full control over the software, and can modify and enhance it as required. This can be particularly important for banks that see their software as a competitive advantage and wish to protect their innovations.

Integration with existing systems

In some cases, banks may already have existing systems and software that they wish to integrate with new software. By building software in-house, banks can have greater control over the integration of these systems and avoid compatibility or security issues.

Total control

By building software in-house, banks have total control over its development and maintenance. This means they can react to time constraints, changes and customer needs without relying on an external supplier. This level of control can be invaluable for banks with specific data security and confidentiality requirements.

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Conclusion: finding the right balance

In the end, the decision to buy or build software for a bank will depend on a number of factors, such as the organization's specific needs, available resources and long-term objectives. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and each bank will need to carefully weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

In many cases, purchasing software can offer a faster, cost-effective and specialized solution for banks' needs, not to mention maintainability and scalability. However, there may be cases where building software in-house offers greater customization and control.

It's essential for banks to work closely with software experts and specialist consultants to determine the best approach to meet their specific needs. By striking the right balance between buying and building, banks can improve their operations, offer a better customer experience and remain competitive in an ever-changing industry.

At Kls, as a software publisher, we offer free testing of our platform, including the Debt Tracking application. Take the test to understand how Kls Desk works, and to discover the many features tailored to the corporate finance business.