Legere casts wild eyes over to the world of banking

SEC-filings have emerged suggesting T-Mobile US is looking into creating a banking product for its customers which could be launched in a matter of weeks.

The documents, which have been filed by Customers Bancorp, describe a partnership which has been in place since September 2016, with the two parties coming together to build the relevant technology and products since. Details are relatively thin on the ground as it stands, though in naming T-Mobile in the documents it is a pretty sure sign of diversification from the telco.

With more customers showing readiness to adopt mobile banking solutions the idea does make sense. T-Mobile US is constantly looking for new opportunities to laud over the ‘duopoly’, as CEO John Legere describes AT&T and Verizon, so it should come as no surprise the team are looking for new ways to engage customers.

Although T-Mobile US would not be considered a challenger brand in the same way as Iliad in Italy or Jio in India, the shake-up of the business under Legere’s leadership has created a similar disruption. T-Mobile US has continuously boasted of collecting new customers with ease quarter after quarter, but such momentum can only last so long; new ideas are needed.

In India, Jio has diversified into content and also hinted at an assault on the broadband market, though T-Mobile US has resisted such pleasures to date. The introduction of financial services is simply another tool in the shed for T-Mobile US to maintain its current course. The last few Uncarrier moves have not been the earth shakers of yesteryear, though this would certainly capture the attention of the masses.

With a huge customer base, 73 million subscribers, and a sound relationship with said customers, churn was 0.95% during the last quarter, the foundations are steady. However, the big question is whether the T-Mobile US brand, led by the eccentric and wild Legere, can present itself as a business in which consumers would be confident in dealing with for their finances.

Banks do not generally present themselves as fun or charismatic brands mainly because dealing with an individual’s money is a serious matter. People will want their cash handled by a man who looks like a stereotypical accountant, not a 40 year-old frat-boy. This is perhaps one of the issues T-Mobile US will have to assess, as Legere does not give the impression of the most trustworthy banker.