AI in the financial sector: what is already possible today – and what isn’t
Artificial intelligence is currently transforming almost every industry. However, it is particularly evident in the financial sector just how closely innovation, regulation and responsibility are intertwined. At the DHBW Banking Day 2026, we had the opportunity to explore these developments in more detail during a presentation. Our CTO, Michael Mende, shared practical insights and highlighted where AI is already delivering real added value in banking today, whilst also pointing out the areas where clear boundaries and requirements exist. The high level of interest in the subject has once again demonstrated that AI is no longer merely a topic for the future in the financial sector, but is already playing a significant role today.
What AI is already capable of in the banking sector today
AI can already be put to good use in many areas of banking – particularly where processes are standardised, repetitive and data-driven. This is particularly evident in customer service, for example through voicebots or chatbots that can quickly handle enquiries, provide information or resolve simple issues directly. AI also offers great potential in the back office, for example in the automated processing of tasks, support with document workflows, or the structured escalation of issues.
At the same time, experience shows that not every process is equally suited to AI. Whenever sensitive decisions, personalised advice, goodwill gestures or complex special cases are involved, human involvement remains indispensable. The strength of AI therefore lies not in replacing everything, but in specifically reducing the workload on staff and making processes more efficient. For many banks, this is precisely where the greatest added value currently lies.
What does agentic AI mean in banking?
The next step in this development is what is known as ‘agent-based AI’. This refers to systems that do not merely respond to requests, but are capable of acting independently. They understand objectives and derive tasks from them, make decisions based on rules, data and context, and manage multiple process steps autonomously. In doing so, they can integrate various systems and execute workflows automatically. In the banking sector in particular, this opens up new possibilities, as entire processes – rather than just individual steps – can be made smarter and more efficient.
Agentic AI in practice
We demonstrate how this approach can be put into practice in everyday situations in the following German customer service demo. Using the example of lifting a block on online banking, it becomes clear how an AI system can manage the entire process independently – from recording the enquiry and verifying the details to implementing the change in the system.
The banking landscape: Why AI is different in this sector
The use of cloud technologies also entails additional requirements. In the financial sector, cloud computing is regarded as outsourcing and is therefore subject to strict requirements, for example from BaFin and the EBA. These include, amongst other things, risk assessments, contractual provisions and comprehensive rights of inspection and audit.
Data control remains a key issue. Banks must ensure that data is processed within the EU, is encrypted throughout, and that access is clearly regulated.
Digital sovereignty as a key factor in banking
In the banking sector in particular, it is clear that the use of AI goes far beyond the technology itself. It is about control, accountability and trust. Banks need to know at all times where their data is stored, how it is processed and who has access to it.
At the same time, dependence on non-European providers is growing. This is a critical issue when it comes to sensitive financial data, as international laws may, in certain circumstances, allow access that is not in line with European standards. Digital sovereignty is therefore becoming a key prerequisite for the secure use of AI.
This is precisely where the Aristech AI Suite comes in: a platform with its own technology stack that can be flexibly operated on-premises or in the cloud and seamlessly integrated into existing systems. ‘Made in Germany’ stands not only for its origin, but also for controllable, secure and sovereign AI.
Why many AI projects in the banking sector fail
AI can do a lot, but in banking what matters most is whether it works in day-to-day practice. There is often a world of difference between a demo and live deployment. The key is whether systems operate reliably, are fully integrated and meet regulatory requirements.
Ultimately, it is not the most innovative idea that prevails, but the solution that runs stably and builds trust. This is precisely where we provide support – not only with technology, but also with consultancy, service and concrete implementation within existing structures. Find out more in our Services section.
