For the past several years, bank IT budgets generally remained flat. The financial crisis and ensuing fallout forced belt-tightening across the industry. In 2011, however, bank IT executives finally enjoyed some breathing room thanks to some revitalized spending power.

And in 2012, bank technology budgets should continue to increase, if ever so slightly. But with the economic recovery still on shaky legs, and with regulatory scrutiny more intense than ever, banks' IT investments are likely to be focused largely on driving efficiencies and complying with new requirements. Bank Systems & Technologyidentifies the IT trends and hot technologies that will change the game in the year ahead.