In my experience, and likely in yours as well, consumer expectations regarding financial products and services are always growing. This seems to be particularly true when it comes to online, mobile and alternate channels, and is in many ways attributable to consumer exposure to technologies that are redefining how we conduct business, interact with others and generally live our lives.

Take, for example, the rise of “apps.” Ten years ago most consumers had probably never heard of an app. Today there’s an app for pretty much anything you want to do online or on a mobile device, including keeping track of your finances. Want to check your account balance? There’s an app for that. Deposit a check? There’s an app for that too.

Like all service delivery methods, apps come with their own challenges. In many cases, apps are written for one platform – such as the Apple iPhone or a Google Android device, each with their own virtual store filled with custom apps. In addition to these wildly popular devices there are many other types of smartphones, tablets and traditional computer desktops through which consumers expect to interact with their financial institutions.