Investment

Banks are deploying extremely powerful AI systems but expecting generalist employees to operate them safely and consistently without redesigning workflows around the technology. That virtually guarantees a bad outcome.

Bank employees are likely adopting the OpenClaw AI assistant on the sly to boost productivity, but the tool's deep integration exposes networks to cyber threats.

The Olympics are boosting spending in Italy, large-in-part thanks to Americans. In the U.K., Barclays is reportedly leading a meeting to seek support for an existing project. The meeting comes against the backdrop of geopolitical concerns and the dominance of American-based payment firms.

Data breach extortion group ShinyHunters used social engineering to steal customer names, addresses and phone numbers from the blockchain lender.

About 70% of bank CEOs said in a recent survey that they are the AI decision makers in their companies. The reasons for this range from the huge impact AI can have on an organization to the fear of missing out. 

Doubling down on what has worked in the past — especially if it's still working now — may inadvertently trap banks into business models ill-suited for the future. Smart bankers make room for change before it is forced on them.

Banks and credit unions are pairing AI-driven efficiency with stable staffing and cross-training to scale mortgage production as originations rebound and technology expands capacity.

The fintech deal market has started to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to recent Pitchbook data, with boosts from big deals like Revolut's fundraises.

In a speech Tuesday, Federal Reserve Gov. Michael Barr said it was possible that artificial intelligence will boost productivity in an undisruptive way. But he said policymakers should also be wary of a financial crash if those gains are not realized or a rapid adoption that could lead to labor displacement.

The card network is enabling organizations to monitor risk systems and receive grades and plans of action for improvement.