Strategic Consulting Project - Digital Retail Bank Launch Strategy for Client X

Organization: Synpulse Consulting

Location: United Kingdom

Project Type: Academic (Strathclyde Business School)

Duration: Mar 2024 – Apr 2024

Role: Strategy Consultant

Project Description

Supported vendor evaluation and go-to-market strategy for Client X's UK digital bank launch, focusing on BaaS selection, regulatory alignment, and digital-first product design.

Performed a comprehensive multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to evaluate 8 Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) vendors across 13 critical factors; recommended Thought Machine for its modular architecture and long-term strategic alignment. Designed a detailed go-to-market plan, including customer segmentation, product roadmap, and digital channel strategy tailored to UK regulatory frameworks (FCA, PRA, Open Banking). Proposed a cloud-native, API-first architecture to maximize agility, scalability, and compliance. Recommended digital capabilities such as AI-driven personal finance tools, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), embedded finance, and ESG-conscious offerings targeting urban professionals aged 25–55.

Detailed Tasks

  • Conducted market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities and threats in the UK digital banking sector.
  • Developed a phased go-to-market strategy, including vendor evaluation and BaaS selection.

Core Skills

Strategic Consulting
Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
Vendor Evaluation
Go-to-Market Strategy
Regulatory Compliance
Digital Banking
Cloud Architecture
Product Strategy

Tech Stack

Analysis & Strategy

  • MCDA Framework
  • Vendor Assessment
  • Market Analysis
  • Regulatory Framework

Digital Solutions

  • Cloud-Native Architecture
  • API-First Design
  • AI-Driven Tools
  • Embedded Finance

Key Challenges & Solutions

  • Challenge: Navigating complex regulatory requirements for digital banking
    Solution: Developed a comprehensive compliance roadmap and engaged with legal experts to ensure alignment with UK regulations.
  • Challenge: Selecting the right BaaS and technology partners with long-term strategy and market positioning
    Solution: Conducted thorough vendor evaluation and scenario analysis to identify optimal partners for scalable growth.
  • Challenge: Achieving differentiation in a competitive market
    Solution: Designed unique digital-first product features and customer experience enhancements.

Project Outcomes

  • Delivered a strategic go-to-market roadmap tailored for the UK digital banking sector, incorporating phased launch stages
  • Proposed a vendor evaluation framework for Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and fintech partners to support scalability and regulatory fit

Business Impact

  • Provided a strategic foundation for differentiated market entry through informed vendor selection, digital-first product design, and go-to-market planning.
  • Enhanced customer experience and brand positioning by addressing unmet needs identified through market research.