The Future of Banking: How Generative AI Will Transform Financial Performance in 2025
In a recent report released by IBM, the company has outlined its expectations for technological advancements in the global financial services sector for the year 2025. The findings emphasize an anticipated surge in the implementation of generative AI, reflecting a significant evolution from preliminary projects to comprehensive enterprise-wide strategies.
According to the report, only a small fraction of banks, around 8%, were systematically developing generative AI technologies in 2024. A considerable 78% maintained a more tactical approach, focusing on short-term gains. However, this trend is rapidly changing as banks transition from experimental pilot programs to full-scale execution of generative AI initiatives. This strategic pivot is aimed at enhancing service offerings through agentic AI capabilities, potentially redefining how banks engage with their customers.
As the landscape of banking transforms, a gradual convergence is taking place within the industry. However, this trend also brings about diverse financial performance metrics among institutions. The report emphasizes that rethinking business models and processes will be crucial in determining which banks will thrive in the future marketplace. A significant portion of surveyed banking CEOs (60%) acknowledged the necessity to embrace risk to fully leverage the advantages of automation and improve their competitive stance in the industry.
Additionally, consumer preferences are evolving. The report notes that over 16% of individuals worldwide are now comfortable with the idea of a wholly digital banking experience without the need for physical branches. This shift in customer mindset is pushing banks to compete not just through mass-market digital products but by offering higher-value services. These services include embedded finance solutions and personalized advisory services targeted at affluent clients and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Shanker Ramamurthy, Global Managing Director of IBM Consulting for Banking and Financial Markets, highlighted the transformative role of generative AI in the banking sector. He remarked, "We are witnessing a significant transition in the deployment of generative AI across the banking industry as institutions move from broad experimentation to strategic enterprise approaches that emphasize targeted applications of this powerful technology." This indicates that financial institutions globally are entering a pivotal year poised to invest in holistic transformation—encompassing technology, talent, and customer experience.
The analysis presented in the report is grounded on extensive research involving sentiment from industry leaders, insights into banking customers’ behavioral patterns, and economic data from key markets such as the U.S., Canada, the European Union, the U.K., Japan, China, and India. By focusing on these trends, the report aims to guide financial institutions and their ecosystem partners in navigating the evolving landscape of banking and finance.
As banks gear up for these shifts, many are set to harness generative AI to elevate customer experiences, enhance operational efficiencies, manage risks more effectively, and modernize their IT frameworks. The combination of generative AI with existing financial structures presents a unique opportunity for banks to redefine their service delivery mechanisms and meet the evolving demands of consumers.
For detailed insights and to access the complete report, interested parties can visit IBM's official website. This transformative research not only encapsulates current trends but also prepares banks for a future where technology plays an integral role in delivering financial services efficiently and effectively.
With the landscape of banking poised for notable changes driven by the power of generative AI, the onus is now on financial institutions to adapt swiftly and strategically to meet emerging challenges and seize potential opportunities.
For more information on this report and IBM’s commitments to modernizing the financial industry through advanced technologies, visit www.ibm.com/industries/banking-financial-markets.