With UK consumer confidence increasing, competition among banks is stronger than ever. Austerity has left consumers cautious, while 24/7 banking has given more access and control over personal finance. But what do people want, and how can banks entice them to switch?

How can mortgages be made more exciting? According to the biggest bank in Russia, it’s by giving away free cats. Sberbank is loaning cats to superstitious mortgage customers to help bring them good luck as they move into their new homes.

As part of its Uncarrier repositioning, T-Mobile is launching into the banking business with a pre-paid debit card and banking app. But if people aren't willing to trust banks with their cash, why should they trust a telecoms provider?

American Express is synonymous with privilege and luxury – so its latest venture may seem surprising. Its Bluebird Bank helps Americans let down by traditional banking, who may not even have a bank account. What's driving the makers of the Black Card to bank the unbanked?

In Turkey, popular bank Garanti is causing a stir with its revolutionary banking-on-the-go app iGaranti. As more services go mobile, the future of seamless, social money management seems likely to come in the form of smartphone integration and a consumer driven-approach.

House prices are soaring, and the average age of a first-time buyer is now 35. Student debt and a highly competitive job market is forcing 36% of Millennials to live with their parents. The Barclays Family Springboard Mortgage has a solution: borrow from the bank of mum and dad.

With the growth of digital, a new solution to retail banking woes is emerging. Hello bank! is the world's first stand-alone digital mobile bank that's accessible any time, any place – and, crucially, maintains a clear focus on customer experience.

Over a third of 18-year-olds don’t understand what stocks and shares are – and of those that do, 30% are put off by hidden costs. The Acorns app lets you invest your small change as you buy a coffee or a cardigan – but can it get young adults interested in the stock market?