DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE BANKING SECTOR: A PRE- AND POST- COVID-19 ANALYSIS

The digitisation of the banking sector represents a key transformation in the financial industry, adapting to the demands and expectations of increasingly connected and technologically savvy customers. This transformation aims to deliver faster, more efficient and accessible banking services through digital technologies. Today, banks offer a wide range of digital solutions, including online and mobile banking, e-payments, virtual assistance and emerging technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence. These innovations have revolutionised the way customers interact with banks and bring significant benefits such as increased accessibility and personalised experiences. The study seeks to assess the attitudes and perspectives of individuals concerning the digital transition of the banking sector in Romania, both prior to and following the Covid pandemic. Drawing from research conducted personally before the pandemic, and a study by The Romanian Institute for Evaluation and Strategies, we aim to track the individuals' understanding and responses to emerging technologies in the banking sector. These insights will help to ascertain how the Covid-19 pandemic has altered their viewpoints and habits concerning the utilization of digital banking applications. Assessing the level of banking digitalisation is essential to understand the impact of this transformation and to identify directions for development and improvement in the banking industry. By addressing these challenges and future prospects, significant opportunities open up for innovation and improvement of banking services in the digital environment.