Banks are always concerned to respond to market demand and consequently have an eye to the future, anticipate expectations and innovate. The approach of the single market is accelerating this process, illustrating a statement by the American philosopher Elbert Hubbard: "The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can't be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it". Against the background of these developments, Generale Bank has made strategic choices in the full knowledge that choosing is renouncing. I propose to comment on these options as follows: first, I shall remind you of the various changes we shall have to face up to; and second, I shall describe in detail the strategic directions we have decided to follow.
Our community is undergoing three revolutions at the same time. Technology, sociology and ethics are evolving, interacting and complementing each other. They are changing consumers' and companies' way of thinking and behaviour. They are also slowly but surely changing the banker's role and profession. With their characteristic wisdom and caution, the financial institutions are adapting themselves to the changing situation. The purpose of this seminar is to study the changes they will have to face in the 1990's. My opening remarks will attempt to set the scene, by defining the main challenges and key strategic issues to be faced.
There are three simultaneous revolutions currently underway: technology, sociology and ethics, all of which are in a constant state of inter-reaction with the others. All three call into question the three dimensions of existence: know- ledge, action and emotion. And all three have triggered off a change in circumstances that has affected corporate planning, behaviour and results. The quest for higher profits encompasses innovation, efficiency and quality. The theme of this seminar, "Assessing and improving the quality of financial services, ties in directly with the major concerns of our times. Far from being a passing fad, it is part and parcel of present-day society, and is directly inspired by Japan's achievements.
There are three simultaneous revolutions currently underway: technology, sociology and ethics, all of which are in a constant state of inter-reaction with the others. All three call into question the three dimensions of existence: knowledge, action and emotion. And all three have triggered off a change in circumstances that has affected corporate planning, behaviour and results. The quest for higher profits encompasses innovation, efficiency and quality. The theme of this seminar, "Assessing and improving the quality of financial services, ties in directly with the major concerns of our times. Far from being a passing fad, it is part and parcel of present-day society, and is directly inspired by Japan's achievements.