As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the financial landscape, banks are finding themselves at a crossroads. The rapid adoption of AI technologies has brought about unprecedented efficiencies and customer experiences, but it has also attracted the watchful eyes of regulators. Banks must now prepare for increased scrutiny as they navigate the AI revolution.
The integration of AI in banking has not gone unnoticed by regulatory bodies. Recent directives from Washington, including President Biden’s “Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence,” have made it clear that AI will be a focal point of regulatory efforts. This order outlines a comprehensive plan to promote innovation while ensuring safety, requiring developers to disclose testing results and government agencies to set standards and assess risks.
Institutions are now tasked with balancing the drive for technological advancement with the need to protect themselves, their customers, and the financial ecosystem. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s circular concerning adverse action notification requirements is a prime example of the detailed guidance banks must adhere to, especially when using AI systems for decision-making.
Crafting a Cohesive AI Strategy
Banks are advised to develop a firm-wide stance on AI, creating a cohesive plan that can adapt to various types of technologies and field developments. This strategy should be tailored to the bank’s current operations and continuously updated as new forms of AI are integrated into the mix. By doing so, banks can err on the side of caution while remaining competitive in a rapidly modernizing market.
The Division of Examinations of the Securities and Exchange Commission has also indicated that AI will be a focus of its 2024 Examination Priorities, further emphasizing the need for banks to have a clear and proactive approach to AI integration.
The AI-driven future of banking is filled with both opportunities and challenges. As banks strive to harness the potential of AI, they must also prepare for the inevitable increase in regulatory scrutiny. By establishing a robust AI policy and staying abreast of regulatory developments, banks can ensure they reap the rewards of AI while safeguarding their operations and maintaining customer trust.
