9000 is a process of internal auditing, management review and the establishment of a quality system with defined procedures, work instructions and forms, all completely documented. ISO provides a structure for the quality process, provides a publicly recognized benchmark, a measurement system and a means to manage the business more effectively.
Total quality is the goal and continuous improvement is the means to achieve that goal.
The benefits of ISO 9000 are many, both tangible and intangible. Please see the specific reference in the Bank section on benefits as outlined by Bank officers in reply to my questions. In general, there are benefits to be obtained. What is set out is information that gives some good ammunition for following the ISO route. The Canadian Task Force Report on the Financial Services Sector never mentions ISO 9000 directly.