Like many businesses across the U.S., community and regional banks face challenges stemming from economic fluctuations, regulatory reforms, and shifting consumer preferences. To navigate these headwinds, they’re leveraging their unique strengths, such as personalized customer interactions and local market insights, and implementing innovative technologies like the nCino Consumer Banking Solution.

As we look towards 2025, many analysts and industry experts are sharing observations on the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) and their predictions for the future. As AI use cases continue to evolve across industries, it’s critical for financial institutions (FIs) to evaluate their own AI journeys. Are they ahead of, in step with, or falling behind their competitors?

In a world where the financial industry continues to evolve rapidly, financial institutions need to do the same. One way to maintain your edge is by embracing a balance of automation and augmentation. This approach enhances operational efficiency, optimizes risk management, and revolutionizes the experience for both banker and client.

Founded in 1949 in Wisconsin, Marine Credit Union (MCU) has grown to serve over 76,000 members across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois. With a steadfast commitment to the community, MCU strives to make financial fulfillment accessible to everyone. By guiding individuals from financial challenges to achieving ownership and giving back, MCU empowers its members to lead better lives.

In today’s financial landscape, digital transformation has become an essential priority for financial institutions (FIs), and credit risk management is no exception. Despite economic challenges, many banks are making significant investments in advanced technologies to fast-track their digital transformation. While cost pressures are considerable, the potential of technology to enhance automation and efficiency continues to drive these investments forward.

A hackathon is a collaborative coding event where individuals or teams join forces to create innovative solutions and solve real-world problems facing bankers. Participants brainstorm and build prototypes of their solutions within a short amount of time, typically ranging from one day to one week. At the end of the event, teams present their projects to the wider company.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming how financial institutions approach many traditional banking processes. When it comes to AI in the financial services industry, the concept of explainability—i.e., the ability to clearly communicate the process behind AI’s decision-making and understand the model’s inner workings—is of the utmost importance.

Allied Irish Banks (AIB), a leading Irish bank with 3.3 million customers and the largest branch network in the country, is using the nCino platform to transform its credit processes and improve lending across Asset Finance and Leasing, SME, Corporate and ESG.

Kiwibank is the largest New Zealand-owned bank, currently serving over one million customers. As a leader in the banking industry, Kiwibank is dedicated to being customers’ first choice for banking needs, evidenced in their 5.2% growth in main bank customers and 9.3% increase in total lending during fiscal year 2024. With over 8,000 new homes financed and 5,000 customers securing better home loan deals in FY 24, the bank is deeply committed to enhancing customer experience and outcomes.