Everyone is talking about AI – but very few banks are truly using it in their everyday operations. During our recent webinar, AI in Banking – From Pilots to Real Impact, one thing became clear: the institutions that turn AI from experiments into execution will shape the next decade of banking.
We were thrilled to welcome Simon Kriss, co-founder of Sovereign AI and one of the world’s most respected voices on AI adoption in financial services. His talk at the Finshape Business Conference in Athens was a standout moment – bold, pragmatic, and refreshingly honest.
This time, he returned to the (virtual) stage alongside Josef Dvořák, Finshape’s AI Director, known for helping banks turn advanced technologies into tangible business outcomes. Together, they delivered a candid, highly practical discussion that resonated with hundreds of banking leaders.
What emerged was a clear picture of where the industry stands – and where it must go next.
PoCs and experiments are everywhere, but few institutions connect AI to real business processes with measurable outcomes.
The insight? It’s no longer about proving AI works-it’s about scaling what already does.
People increasingly rely on tools like ChatGPT for investment advice, mortgage guidance and financial planning. Expectations for instant, personalised and understandable advisory are rising – with or without the industry’s readiness.
Successful banks combine:
Momentum beats perfection.
Too many teams fall in love with an AI tool first and then look for a way to deploy it. The most effective institutions reverse this: Define the business problem, then choose the right technology.
Clean, well-governed data is essential – but so is preparing your workforce. Employees need clarity on how AI supports their roles, augments daily work, and shapes future responsibilities.
The quickest wins often come from:
These build trust, internal capability, and organisational confidence.
Technology, regulation and customer behaviour shift too fast for rigid planning. A rolling 12-month roadmap, reviewed annually, keeps teams adaptive and aligned with reality.
If your bank is considering moving from pilots to real AI impact, reach out to Josef Dvořák, AI Director at Finshape, to explore where AI can deliver measurable value fastest.
If you want to dive deeper into all insights, frameworks and real-world examples discussed, get the full recording!