You’ve read the case studies. You’ve attended the webinars. You’ve heard the promises. Yet, despite recognizing automation's transformative potential, you remain stuck in extended evaluation cycles, unable to move from pilot programs to meaningful implementation.

Credit unions are quietly rewriting the automation playbook in financial services. The latest research reveals a strategic insight that challenges conventional wisdom: 67% of credit unions prefer fintech partnerships for automation implementation—the highest adoption rate among all institution types.This isn't about being tech-forward for technology's sake. It's about credit unions recognizing something fundamental: the right automation partnerships can amplify their member-first mission rather than compromise it.

The numbers tell a troubling story. While 87% of financial institution leaders recognize intelligent automation's transformative potential, only 32% have moved beyond pilot programs to meaningful enterprise-wide implementation. That's a 55-point execution gap—and it's costing the industry billions in unrealized efficiency gains.Most executives blame the technology. But they’re wrong.

nCino's CEO discusses industry optimism, AI transformation, and the path to automated banking workflowsIn this episode of Banking on Intelligence, nCino's Brandon Lokits sits down with Sean Desmond, CEO of nCino, to explore the current banking landscape and how financial institutions are embracing a new era of technology-driven transformation.

Community and regional banks have built something remarkable: the ability to be a true financial partner across the entire lifecycle of your market's success stories. You're there when the entrepreneur opens their first small business account. You finance the equipment when they're ready to scale. You provide the working capital that gets them through growth spurts. You manage the wealth when success comes, and you're structuring the complex credit facilities when they become the major employer in town. This full-spectrum capability—delivered with personal attention at every stage—is your superpower.

You know AI is essential for staying competitive. But here's what we're seeing: too many institutions jump into automation without the visibility they need to make it count. In today's challenging environment—economic headwinds, evolving regulations, rising customer expectations—you need more than speed. You need precision. 

More than half of banking customers are ready to switch banks due to poor digital experiences. That's not just a warning sign—it's a call for change.  

Business lending remains a critical growth driver for banks, yet many struggle to scale effectively. What's holding them back?

Chief Industry Innovation Officer shares insights on navigating the data-AI bridge and building stronger customer relationships through technology