In this case study, we are analyzing how one of the biggest international telecommunications providers, Telenor, has used this weakness of financial institutions and has successfully launched the first mobile only bank in Serbia – Telenor Banka. The CEO of Telenor Banka is an INSEAD Alumni and is working with us on this case.

First Direct has become the model of tele-banking worldwide, despite similar initiatives undertaken by large international banks. The case describes the history of First Direct and the various components of its operations, especially around the central issue of relationship marketing at a distance.