Banks are shifting away from traditional, financial transactions to a more complex array of sale functions and service provisions. Likewise, bank security is moving away from traditional bank facility security to increasing reliance on electronic delivery systems. As banks become more retail-oriented, even located within other stores and malls, security will become less visible and less controllable. A higher level of risk within the banking industry results in a greater potential for fraud and probability of failure. As the trend toward full bank automation progresses, with concomitant needs for account security and correct identification, biometric technology will become more important. With the increase in fraud and embezzlement conducted through the electronic banking system, bank personnel will need to become more expert in information system security. On the other hand, experimental systems are being developed to monitor account activity for signs of fraud, which will result in earlier detection of crime and a reduced loss exposure. The restructuring of the industry through mergers and acquisitions will provide an opportunity for security system modernization and incorporation of new technologies into security plans. Although Federal legislation mandated the position of bank security manager, these professionals are often shut out of the institution's management team; their functions are too often performed by other departments within the organization. But as banks automate and police agencies lack sufficient investigative personnel, banks will have to assume responsibility for crime investigation and case preparation for prosecution, using security and risk management basics, managerial expertise, and technical competence.