The big Canadian banks are moving slowly in providing banking services to clients’ tablets, according to a new report from consulting firm Celent.

Last year, Celent published a report evaluating the tablet apps available at the top eight financial institutions in Canada, which found that five of the banks had dedicated iOS tablet apps, and only two had Android-based apps. In its latest report, Celent found that one institution has added an iOS app, and three have added Android apps.

“Tablet apps for Canadian financial institutions still have a long way to go, and substantial opportunity exists to maximize channel engagement,” says Stephen Greer, an analyst with Celent’s banking practice and author of the report. “The market has moved quite slowly since Celent’s last report.”

The firm notes that banks with a dedicated digital strategy are starting to design apps that incorporate specific features and functionality relative to the device, rather than simply adapting their existing online banking offering, or an existing mobile app.

“One of the biggest differentiating factors of any institution in the years ahead will be the ability to adapt to the changes in consumer behavior,” says Jacob Jegher, research director in Celent’s banking practice and co-author of the report. “Consumption trends and preferences will define a bank’s ability to attract and engage the customer.”