Outlook 2021
A digital BaU
28 January 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught the world a lot of things. For corporates, the messages are varied and complex. But one thing is clear: digital operations are no longer a ‘nice to have’, but a fundamental and critical part of modern business.
In 2020 there was still scepticism about digitisation in businesses. But COVID-19 taught us you can do things remotely, you can do things electronically, and resourcing systems so they can be agile in a time of heightened change is really, really important.
The pandemic was a clear inflexion point. Digitisation moved from number four or five on the agenda of many businesses to a clear number one. This occurred all the way from the customer experience side to core treasury functions, IP and product development – and even in employee experience as businesses ensured continuity during crisis. In 2021, we can expect that trend to continue.
For businesses all across the globe, the New Year will be about taking the lessons of 2020 and integrating them into their BaU operations. The inevitable result of this is a more-digital world.
Part of this change will be the increasing importance of data. Like digital, we've been talking about data for a long time, but it has never been more important than now.
In 2021, expect to see an increase use of data and analytics to support corporate decision making, with further developments in machine learning and AI to continue to evolve the data proposition.
Outlook 2021
After an unprecedented 2020, the outlook for 2021 is a difficult one to pin down. The post-COVID landscape is one of rapid technological change, a transformational shakeup of global trading orthodoxy, and an increasing focus on sustainable business practices.
At ANZ Institutional, we aim to help our customers put themselves in the best possible position to take advantage of these forces. Our subject-matter experts have the insight to offer market-leading thought leadership in a range of complex areas from across more than 30 global markets.
We are asking our experts about the key factors they see shaping markets and industry in 2021 – and the opportunities and challenges within. We’ll be sharing the responses with you over the coming weeks.
Surplus
The year 2021 will one of surplus liquidity in the market. Given the ongoing low-rate environment, yield is going to be a challenge. How businesses effectively deploy that liquidity is an open question in the New Year.
Additionally, the uncertain environment in the trade business will be an ongoing issue. That's a reflection of broader economic conditions.
In response, many businesses are reviewing their supply chains and thinking differently about how they can support them. I think that will be an exciting thing to see over the next 12 months and into the long term.
Lisa Vasic is MD, Transaction Banking at ANZ Institutional
This publication is published by Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited ABN 11 005 357 522 (“ANZBGL”) in Australia. This publication is intended as thought-leadership material. It is not published with the intention of providing any direct or indirect recommendations relating to any financial product, asset class or trading strategy. The information in this publication is not intended to influence any person to make a decision in relation to a financial product or class of financial products. It is general in nature and does not take account of the circumstances of any individual or class of individuals. Nothing in this publication constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by ANZBGL or its branches or subsidiaries (collectively “ANZ”) to you to acquire a product or service, or an offer by ANZ to provide you with other products or services. All information contained in this publication is based on information available at the time of publication. While this publication has been prepared in good faith, no representation, warranty, assurance or undertaking is or will be made, and no responsibility or liability is or will be accepted by ANZ in relation to the accuracy or completeness of this publication or the use of information contained in this publication. ANZ does not provide any financial, investment, legal or taxation advice in connection with this publication.