Latest Trends in AI and How They Impact the Financial Sector

How are new AI technologies transforming banking, asset management, and credit analysis?

CFO INSIGHTS

Zhivka Nedyalkova

11/24/20243 min read

the words future is creative painted on a wall
the words future is creative painted on a wall

Latest Trends in AI and How They Impact the Financial Sector

How are new AI technologies transforming banking, asset management, and credit analysis?

We live in challenging and interesting times, where human creativity and professional skills are being put to the test. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is disrupting the status quo and transforming the way business processes function, particularly in the financial sector. Developments in deep learning, automated financial advisors, and predictive analytics are changing the way financial institutions manage assets, loans, and customer service. What are the latest trends in applying artificial intelligence (AI) and how are they impacting modern finance?

Deep Learning and Its Application in Banking

One of the most influential trends in AI is deep learning, which is revolutionizing the analysis of large volumes of data. In the banking sector, deep learning is used to detect fraudulent transactions and predict market trends. Through complex neural networks, like those used by companies such as HSBC, AI models analyze millions of transactions in real time to identify suspicious activities. These technologies help banks reduce financial fraud and improve customer security.

But how do banks cope with the challenges of implementing AI? One of the main difficulties is the need for a large volume of data to train AI models. Nevertheless, with the increasing collection of data and growing computational power, the efficiency of deep learning in financial processes is significantly improving.

Asset Management with AI

How is AI used in asset management? With the advancement of machine learning, financial advisors and asset managers increasingly use algorithms to analyze the market and optimize portfolios. Companies like BlackRock already use AI systems like Aladdin, which support asset management by analyzing risk and suggesting the best investment strategies. AI not only optimizes asset allocation but also predicts market fluctuations, helping financial advisors make informed decisions.

Yes, the increasing use of AI definitely assists finance professionals by automating routine tasks in the financial world. But does this mean that the work of dozens, or even thousands, of finance professionals is becoming redundant? Of course not! On the contrary, we should view AI as a tool that complements their skills and frees them from repetitive operational tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic decisions and client relationships.

AI in Credit Analysis

Another significant trend is the use of AI in credit analysis. Traditional methods of assessing creditworthiness rely on a limited set of data, often leading to inaccurate decisions. However, AI uses large volumes of alternative data—such as social media, online shopping behavior, and mobile activity—to provide a more accurate assessment of credit risk. An example of this is the Upstart platform, which integrates machine learning for credit risk analysis while considering non-traditional factors—such as education and employment history—that are not part of the standard credit evaluation process.

Can we conclude that AI will make the credit process fairer? Yes, because automated AI models reduce the subjective factor, leading to fairer treatment of different groups of borrowers. However, there remains the open question of the transparency of AI algorithms and the potential risks of discrimination associated with opaque decision-making.

In Conclusion

Artificial intelligence is establishing itself as a key player in the financial sector, transforming the way banks, credit institutions, and asset managers handle their processes. Deep learning, asset management, and credit analysis are just a few areas where AI is already having a significant impact. But the question that still remains is: can we tackle the challenges of ethics and transparency posed by these new technologies?

The financial world is undergoing a transformation led by AI and its practically limitless possibilities. For financial institutions, success will depend not only on adopting the latest technologies but also on their ability to adapt these technologies in an ethical and transparent way.