Asia’s AI Revolution: Are Banks Ready for the Future?

TL;DR:

• Only 50% of banks have made sufficient progress in AI and digitalisation.
• DBS Bank expects to gain over S$1 billion from AI by 2025.
• Cultural shifts and strategic planning are crucial for successful AI integration.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world, and Asia is at the forefront of this revolution. Banks, in particular, are feeling the heat. According to Piyush Gupta, the outgoing CEO of DBS Group Holdings, only about half of the banking industry has made enough progress in embracing digitalisation and AI. So, what’s holding the other half back? Let’s dive in.

The Race to Digitalise

Gupta, who has been widely credited for transforming South-east Asia’s biggest bank, believes that many banks have been going about digitalisation the wrong way. “A lot of people have tried to digitise before they change the fundamentals,” he told Bloomberg News. “I call that putting lipstick on a pig.”

The DBS Transformation

Under Gupta’s leadership, DBS has become a global leader in digital banking. The bank’s market value has soared to S$112 billion, and it’s expected to gain over S$1 billion from AI by 2025. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Gupta admits that DBS had its share of setbacks, including technology glitches and penalties from the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

The Role of Culture

Gupta believes that changing the culture at DBS was his biggest achievement. The bank is now “a little more entrepreneurial, a little bit more risk-taking, but most of all, it has got a little bit more confidence about what can be achieved.” This cultural shift has been crucial to DBS’s digital transformation.

Common Pitfalls in AI Integration

Gupta points out that common failures at many banks result from technology mistakes and corporate culture. So, what can banks do to avoid these pitfalls?

Strategy Before Technology

Banks need to have a clear strategy before investing in technology. It’s not about having the shiniest new tech; it’s about using tech to achieve your strategic goals.

Culture Matters

A risk-averse culture can hinder innovation. Banks need to foster a culture that encourages experimentation and accepts failure as a part of the learning process.

The Future of AI in Banking

As Gupta prepares to step down, he leaves behind a bank that’s ready for the future. But what about the rest of the industry?

The Rise of Fintech

Traditional banks are facing stiff competition from fintech rivals like Grab Holdings. To stay relevant, banks need to embrace AI and digitalisation.

Regulatory Challenges

Banks also face regulatory challenges. They need to work closely with regulators to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly.

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• To learn more about DBS’s AI implementation, tap here.