In the US, 80% of consumer spending no longer involves physical dollars, while in Britain cash use has dropped 14% in the last five years. What is driving this shift towards a cashless society? And how will we spend and manage money in the future?

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?

At a time when trust in banks and bankers is low, Virgin is offering consumers a fresh vision of high street banking, swapping the traditional line of bank tellers and corporate colour schemes for 'lounge-style' spaces.

Over 70% of Gen Y would rather go to the dentist than listen to what their bank says. So Italian banking group Intesa San Paolo developed Superflash – a brand and store concept that looks more like a fashion store than a financial institution. But can banking ever really be cool?