Early tablet banking leaders emerge

The sudden and rapid growth of the tablet computer has not been lost on the banking industry. Though financial institutions are sometimes hesitant when it comes to the regulatory implications of adapting to new, consumer-focused technology, tablets appear to be one area the industry can get behind.

An April 2012 study from Javelin Strategy & Research shows that nearly twice as many tablet owners engage in mobile banking than non-tablet owners. This has led several financial institutions to embrace the trend and introduce new banking options for tablet and other mobile users.

According to the report, Bank of America, Citi and USAA have emerged as leaders in the tablet banking field. Bank of America, for example, has introduced a native, tablet-optimized app that differs from its smartphone app -- a small, yet distinct separation from the majority of the top 25 banks.

Citi, Javelin notes, has introduced a financial management tool app that functions in "layback mode" and offers simple and intuitive task flows. USAA, meanwhile, was one of the first banks on the tablet scene and has received high praise for its mobile app.

Javelin's findings are reflective of an earlier study from technology provider Fiserv, which finds that mobile payments and banking are rapidly growing. In a survey of 3,000 American consumers, 45 percent say they would like to use a tablet to complete banking transactions.