Income pressures and cost centers have been a constant challenge for banks and financial institutions (FIs). Following the 2008 debacle, stringent regulations such as Basel III norms, the Dodd-Frank Act, and other mandates require banks to maintain higher cash reserves and allocate expensive resources for compliance and governance, resulting in an 8% increase in operational costs. Additionally, prevailing macroeconomic trends indicate elevated delinquencies, causing U.S. banks’ profits to plummet by nearly half in the quarter ending in March 2024. Fintechs, with their digital products and intuitive services, continue to erode banks’ customer base and are forecasted to experience revenue growth three times faster than traditional banks from 2023 to 2028.

In the face of these challenges, banks can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for success. AI holds the promise of unlocking productivity and efficiency gains while enhancing optimization through increased visibility and business intelligence, ultimately driving banking profits. However, successful implementation is paramount. According to a Bank of England study, 72% of firms have developed or deployed machine learning models across various use cases, such as sales, fraud detection, credit decisions, and documentation. Unfortunately, less than 20% of these applications were deemed business-critical.

For AI to realize its transformative potential, it must be implemented comprehensively and guided by a strategic vision that fosters a culture of collaboration and agility. This guide offers a strategic roadmap for banks and FIs, empowering them to streamline AI adoption and be part of the transformative process.