A Complete Guide to BDD Testing in Financial Services

January 01, 2026 · 13 min read · Testing Guide

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A Complete Guide to BDD Testing in Financial Services

A Complete Guide to BDD Testing in Financial Services

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In the fast-paced and highly regulated world of financial service, package lineament is arguably of utmost grandness. To assure financial ware meet complex requisite and render seamless user experiences, robust testing methods are essential. One such approach that has gained significant traction in the fiscal industry is. 
 

It has metamorphose the traditional examination epitome by bridging the gap between line stakeholders, developer, and testers, foster collaborationism. 
 

In this comprehensive guide, we ’ ll explore the depths of BDD testing highlighting its principles, benefits, and how it can be applied in the fiscal services sector to render reliable and untroubled fiscal systems. & nbsp;

Why use BDD Testing?

 

In the traditional development process, stakeholders communicate their business requirements to the Product Owner (PO) or Business Analyst, who so make a business document containing user stories. 
 

The development squad uses this document to start coding and designing the system, while the testing squad simultaneously writes test cases. Once development is accomplished, the examiner run regression cycles, and finally, the product is released into product after receiving QA sign-off and creating technical documentation. & nbsp; 
 

However, this approach often make a communication bottleneck, with engineers misunderstanding the business requirements and business professionals having circumscribed penetration into the technical capableness of their team. This miscommunication and lack of collaboration then result in a software production that falls short of see the business requirements. This is where BDD comes in to bridge the gap. & nbsp;

What is BDD Testing?

 

In short, & nbsp; theBDD testing modelgenerates executable tests in natural lyric phrases that are well comprehendible. The ultimate end is to ensure stakeholders understand all aspects of a project without getting lost in complex codification. In former words, the BDD quiz coming empowers teams to create tests that depict the expected behavior of the system and exploiter ’ requirements. 
 

In BDD terminology, the PO, QA, and Dev are much touch to as the ‘ ’ three amigos ’ ’. These individuals engage in discussion and collaborate with each early, elevate questions and exploring various scenarios that meet the target of the project. & nbsp; 
 

Once all the requirements are mutually jibe on, they ’ re then documented in the kind of scenario using an English-based format name Gherkin. & nbsp; 
 

Each test is derive from a user story use the Gherkin Given-When-Then structure & nbsp;

  • Given (some context)
  • When (event)
  • Then (outcome) 

For example:

Scenario: Make minimum due payment

Given user is on the pay recognition card page

When the user fill in the item and selects the minimum amount option

And user pawl on the pay button

Then credit card confirmation page is displayed & nbsp;
 

Then the QA team guide the same scenario and transforms them into either manual or automated test lawsuit. This is where Cucumber comes into picture, as it furnish a tool for run automated test instance based on the Gherkin scenarios.

Advantages & amp; limitation of BDD Testing in fiscal institutions

In the setting of fiscal service, BDD testing offers various benefits, including:

  • Alignment of Business and IT: & nbsp;BDD promotes quislingism and alignment between business stakeholder and IT teams. It encourages effective communicating, shared understanding, and collaboration, enabling business necessary to be translated into executable specifications. This alignment ensures that the package evolution process accurately contemplate the needs and objectives of the fiscal establishment.
  • Improved Requirement Clarity:BDD scenario use a business-readable language that enhances requirement clarity. By delimitate scenario in a standardized format, BDD eliminates ambiguity and cut the risk of misunderstanding. This results in a shared understanding of the desired behavior of the software, minimizing rework and better overall project efficiency.
  • Early Defect Detection:BDD testing facilitates early defect detection by promoting early collaboration and feedback. Scenarios are defined upfront, allowing potential issues to be identified and speak early in the development cycle. By automating BDD tryout and integrating them into the CI/CD pipeline, financial institution can get defect and regressions quickly, minimizing the impact on software caliber.
  • Faster product delivery: With BDD testing bridge the gap between business and engineering stakeholders and can be automated, fiscal institution can accelerate ontogeny with faster trial execution and increased tryout coverage. & nbsp;

Nevertheless, BDD also has sure limitations that financial institutions should be aware of:

  • Potential for excessively tightly couple behavior to originate from lengthened meetings among stakeholders and the necessity of involving all key stakeholder in the BDD process. & nbsp;
  • BDD relies on well-prepared software requirements to effectively enunciate concern requisite through Gherkin scripts. In fast-paced Agile environments where briefs are commonly used, ensuring the stage of detail require for BDD scenarios may pose challenge.

How to do BDD testing in Cucumber for financial institutions

Having established a cardinal understanding of BDD prove and recognizing its significance in fiscal service, it ’ s crucial to delve into the procedural aspect of performing BDD testing. & nbsp;

 

In this instance, we ’ ll case the widely utilise Cucumber - Selenium - Java framework as a demonstration of BDD testing. The specific scenario revolves around accomplishing a successful login to a mobile banking app. & nbsp;

 

The Cucumber framework typically consists of three primary components:

 

1. The Feature File

In BDD, a feature is used to define a single functionality. These features are publish employ the Gherkin syntax, which follow the Given, When, Then logic. They ’ re store in files with the ‘ ’ .feature ’ ’ extension, and these files contain information about the feature, including their description in plain lyric, the scenario to be tested, and any relevant datum required for testing the feature. 
 

Feature: Login to the mobile banking app. 
 

Description: The user should be capable to log in to the banking nomadic app by cater the right username and password.

 

As a user

I want to log in to the banking app

So that I can process online payment transaction

 

Scenario # 1: Successful log in to the banking app

  • Given a exploiter opens the banking app on their phone
  • When a user selects the face scan certification as the login option
  • And the user scans their face using the device ’ s camera
  • Then the exploiter should be successfully log into the mobile banking app

Scenario # 2: Unsuccessful log into the app

  • Given a user opens the mobile banking app
  • When a exploiter opts for look scanning option to log in
  • And user scans their face using the device ’ s camera
  • And the face scanning authentication doesn ’ t lucifer the registered face data & nbsp;
  • Then the user shouldn ’ t be successfully logged into the mobile app

2. Step definitions

After delimit the features in the feature files, the next step is to execute the code for the scenario. Step definitions serve as a repository for map data between the steps delineate in the lineament file and the code that should be executed. & nbsp;

 

To establish the map, both Java and Selenium dictation can be employed to associate the characteristic file with the practicable code. & nbsp;

packet StepDefinition;

import cucumber.api.java.en.Given;

SUSA automates exploratory testing with persona-driven behavior, catching bugs that scripted automation misses.

import cucumber.api.java.en.Then;

import cucumber.api.java.en.When;

public course Steps

{

@ Given (`` ^a exploiter opens the mobile banking app $ '')

//Code to open the mobile banking app and launching the login page to define the GIVEN step of the feature

@ When (`` ^the user selects front scanning as the login option $ '')

//the face authentication button is identified using the find element of the XPATH and is clicked to get the expression scanned

@ When (‘ ’ ^user face scan matches the registered face information $)

//the input for the expression scan matches the registered expression data. The WHEN step of the feature is being executed hither

@ Then (‘ ’ ^user gets directed to user profile $ ’ ’)

//Direct to the User profile of the coating as a event of correct face scanning in the WHEN step. This would define the THEN stride of the characteristic

3. Test Runner File & nbsp;

To implement the BDD tests, a Test Runner File is necessary. In this event, a JUnit Test Runner Class is expend, which contains the location of stride definitions and other metadata need for trial execution. & nbsp;

 

In Junit, the @ RunWith () annotation is used to specify the examination smuggler class that executes the tests. Meanwhile, the @ CucumberOptions annotation is utilized to define various settings such as feature files ’ fix, step definitions, step definition, describe desegregation and more.

 

Test Runner Class within cucumberTest package, with the lineament file are stored in the ‘ ’ src/test/Feature ’ ’ directory, while the Step Definition file are located in the ‘ ’ src/main/stepDefinition ’ ’ folder. & nbsp; 

 

software cucumberTest;

 

import org.junit.runner.RunWith;

import cucumber.api.CucumberOptions;

meaning cucumber.api.junit.Cucumber;

 

@ RunWith (Cucumber.class)

@ CucumberOptions (

features = `` src/test/Feature ''

, glue= {`` src/main/stepDefinition ''}

)

 

public class TestRunner {

}

 

BDD ’ s advanced automation capabilities

Its forward-looking mechanisation potentiality offer several key benefits to financial service, including:

  • Create modular test instance by reprocess common scenario steps: This approaching is particularly advantageous for publish Regression Testing scenarios in the financial services domain. As financial institutions much have complex and interconnected scheme, being able to modularize and reuse test steps raise efficiency, maintainability, and reporting of regression tests.
  • Parallel try to quicken test run times: The parallel testing capabilities of platforms like Katalon Studio, which support both sequent and parallel executing of Cucumber-based exam, are extremely valuable. By separate tests into sherd and conducting them concurrently, financial institutions can importantly trim overall tryout execution clip, enabling faster feedback and quicker release cycles.
  • Encompassing use of Data Tables to store test data for automated execution: This capability establish extremely advantageous, particularly in Regression Testing scenarios in financial service, as it allows for testing the scenarios with different data situations. This ensures stableness and validity of the financial scheme.

Feature: I want to login into the Internet banking with valid and invalid data

Background:

Given I navigate to the Internet banking

Scenario: Login as a new sign-up user with valid data

When I entered a valid credentials

| email | validpassword | & nbsp;

laurennb120 @ gmail.com | LRB94$

When the user clicks on the sign-in button

Then validate the title after login

Scenario: Login with invalid data by entering an invalid password

When I entered an invalid certification

| email | invalidpassword |

laurennb120 @ gmail.com | LRB82#

When the user clicks on the sign-in push

Then error message should exhibit

| errormessage|

| Authentication failed | & nbsp;

  • Allow for improved test coverage by join business requirements in project management tool such as JIRA to test event within the Feature File. This integration enables seamless mapping for user stories, including their unique IDs, forthwith to BDD scenarios. By incorporate User Story IDs from JIRA, BDD scripts establish a direct connection between business requirements and test cases, facilitating the creation of automated test scripts. & nbsp;

 
 

If you feature a calibre management platform, you can enhance its capabilities by integrating the Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) examine framework to make test cases. By incorporating BDD frameworks like Cucumber in tools like Katalon Studio, you can apply examination hooks that execute at the start and end of each scenario:

  • Set the default software for step definitions.
  • Build or add a feature file
  • xRun your feature file.
  • Define and link steps.
  • Add your feature file to a test case.
  • Upload and view BDD reports on Katalon TestOps. & nbsp;
  • View BDD study files generated from Katalon Studio.

Best practices for BDD quiz

When it arrive to BDD good recitation, it can be overwhelming to navigate through numerous clause and conflicting advice. Hence, we ’ ve compiled a list of mutual mistakes that we often observe when working with fiscal establishment. These tips are orchestrate into different category to provide comprehensive coverage: & nbsp;

  • Feature file
  • Background
  • Scenarios and steps
  • Tags

1. Avoid extended descriptions & nbsp;

In the realm of financial services, it ’ s crucial to prioritise reasonable, short features ’ title and description. Lengthy feature descriptions tend to become ho-hum and can deter stakeholders from engross with them. To maintain stakeholder interest and ensure clarity, feature descriptions should be compendious, capturing the range and context in a concise sentence.

2. Keep the background short

It ’ s advisable to utilize a background for shared step that are necessary in each scenario in your feature file. This can help you eliminate repetitive steps and prevent duplicate across feature file. An ideal ground duration is no more than four line. & nbsp; 
 

Users tend not to suppose about the ground when say scenario within the feature files so make sure you use something that ’ s very generic, such as Given the user has log in. & nbsp;

3. Don ’ t tag the background

Only apply tags to scenarios and features, and not to the ground section. Additionally, it ’ s recommend to avoid using the ground in feature files that contain only one scenario. In such instance, it ’ s more sensible to include the relevant details directly within the GIVEN step. & nbsp;

 

You should also avoid using both a before hook and a background simultaneously. This is because it can guide to duplication of context, with both the background section in the feature file and the before hook in the code serving alike purposes. & nbsp;

4. Points to consider for ‘ ’ Tags ’ ’

Tags play a crucial role in organize feature and scenarios within a BDD project. They provide a means to effectively filter specific scenarios or features, especially when characteristic file are spread across different directory.

 

For instance, if you have a aggregation of scenarios related to Gmail, you can employ the ‘ ’ @ mail ’ ’ tag to mark those specific scenarios. This countenance for convenient searching and retrieval of scenario tagged with ‘ ’ @ post ’ ’. & nbsp; 
 

Here are a few additional tips regarding the usage of tags:

  • Deploy relevant tag name: for representative, you can utilize tags like ‘ ’ @ daily ’ ’, ‘ ’ @ hourly ’ ’, or ‘ ’ @ nightly ’ ’ to designate the frequency of execution. Similarly, tags such as ‘ ’ @ todo ’ ’, ‘ ’ @ wip ’ ’ or ‘ ’ block ’ ’ can be expend to announce the advancement condition of lineament. & nbsp;
  • Tagging features strategically: while tagging individual scenarios is common pattern, there are position where mark the integral feature can be beneficial. For instance, you can use rag to associate a feature with a specific story number in a bug tracking scheme like JIRA, such as ‘ ’ @ Jira-story # PROJ-43 ’ ’. & nbsp;
  • Minimize unnecessary tag usage: If you have already tagged a lineament, there is no need to duplicate the same tag for individual scenarios within that lineament. This is because scenarios automatically inherit the tag assigned to their parent feature. By abstain from excessive tagging, you can prevent overcomplication of your characteristic file and maintain a streamlined and organized testing summons.

Conclusion

The combination of Agile, exam automation and BDD testing in the BFSI industry allow for the correct product is shipped off in the right manner while accelerating product bringing timelines. Its use of natural language scenario also facilitate efficacious stakeholder communication. & nbsp; 
 

For optimum results, it ’ s worth take having IT providers such as & nbsp;KMS Solutionsto consult and assist fiscal establishment on tool selection and BDD testing effectuation. Having 14+ geezerhood of experience in the industry, KMS Solutions in collaboration with Katalon - the leave automation testing platform have help multiple companies, including Discovermarket, GIC, Maxis, Simplyhealth and more, in their digital shift journey. Feel free to touch us to feature a free consultation where we can provide customized solutions for your business needs. & nbsp;

Explain

|

FAQs

What is BDD testing in simple footing?

+

It ’ s a framework that make executable tests in natural language so stakeholder can understand expected system behavior and requirements without getting lose in code.

Who are the “ three amigos ” in BDD?

+

The Product Owner (PO), QA, and Dev—who collaborate to discuss and agree on requirements and scenarios.

What is Gherkin and how is it structured in BDD?

+

Gherkin is an English-based scenario formatting usingGiven–When–Thento describe circumstance, event, and expected outcome.

Why do financial institution use BDD testing?

+

Benefits listed include better alignment between business and IT, clearer requirements (less ambiguity), early fault catching (particularly when automated and desegregate into CI/CD), and faster merchandise bringing.

What are key best practices for BDD characteristic file and tagging?

+

Keep feature descriptions short; keep backgrounds little (ideally no more than four line); don ’ t tag the background; and use ticket to organize/filter scenario (including tips like using frequency tags such as @ daily/ @ hourly and avoiding duplicate tags when a feature is already mark).

Contributors
The Katalon Team is composed of a diverse group of consecrate professionals, including dependent matter expert with deep domain noesis, experienced technical writers skilled, and QA specialists who bring a virtual, real-world position. Together, they contribute to the Katalon Blog, delivering high-quality, insightful article that empower user to make the most of Katalon ’ s tools and stick update on the latest trends in test automation and software character.

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