Despite everything that went into the conversation, I ended up focusing on three key challenges and sharing my thoughts over a three-part blog series. Today's first post explores the rise of AI in community banking and the challenges, opportunities, and risks that artificial intelligence brings to community banks (and the bankers who run them).
The Rising Influence and Impact of AI
AI is transforming how banks operate and serve their customers. The rising leverage of AI in banking can be seen on websites in the form of chatbots, in the ability to achieve rapid data collection and analysis for fraud detection, and in leveraging vast amounts of data to enhance customer service. Customers today expect a personalized experience (because it’s happening in so many other industries), and AI technology equips banks to provide personalization.
AI technology is becoming commonplace for businesses of all types across a variety of industries. Big banks like Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America can quickly adopt and adapt AI technology. But while smaller community banks don’t share the same budget as their bigger competitors to do it as they do at scale, evolving tools like ChatGPT, Claude 2, and Microsoft’s soon-to-be-released Copilot are all positioned to help community banks get there economically. The reality is that AI is here to stay, and smaller community banks need to understand the growing impact AI has in the financial industry. This technology will only continue to get better, and less expensive, making it a possibility for even the smallest community banks.
The key question facing community banks, however, is how to approach AI's rising influence and impact.
It is vital for community banks to:
Gain an Understanding of AI
AI can enhance customer service, detect unusual activity, and analyze data. By embracing AI, these banks can effectively adapt to evolving customer expectations and maintain relevance in the banking industry. Personally, I’ve gained a ton of insight about AI thanks to podcasts like The Marketing AI Show (produced by the Marketing Artificial Intelligence Institute), as well as reading recent posts from my friend James Robert Lay from the Digital Growth Institute.
Measure the Risk of AI
Banks of all sizes need to evaluate the risks associated with implementing AI technology. Assessing factors like data privacy, cybersecurity, and the impact on customer confidence is crucial. Effective risk management strategies are vital to ensure that the advantages of AI (like enhanced efficiency and customer service) outweigh any downsides or vulnerabilities.
Participate in AI Training
Company-wide AI training is vital for growth and sustainability in today's financial environment. Data influences every aspect of banking, so harnessing AI's power in community banking depends on effective AI training. Seek to find reputable sources of information (like the ones mentioned above) or identify someone inside the organization who is willing to take on the role of AI Champion. That individual can focus on learning and sharing information with others to help ensure your organization is not left behind.
There are over 100 courses related to “artificial intelligence” inside of LinkedIn Learning. Udemy, another online learning option, produces over 4,200 results for “artificial intelligence” when searching for the term, with many of the courses available for less than $30 (and you get lifetime access), and you can take courses via your browser or their free mobile app.
We’re even leading a cohort group learning together over at The LinkedBanker (our mastermind and mentoring program exclusively for banking-industry professionals), taking the Piloting Marketing AI course with the Marketing AI Institute (if you’re interested, get in touch). Suffice to say, there are a LOT of training opportunities out there to pick from.
Embrace AI
If you’re looking for inspiration on how organizations of all sizes have embraced AI, Harvard Business Review has produced a great collection of ways to adopt AI technology and remain competitive by providing better service to customers. By implementing AI, you are better positioned to improve customer support, streamline operations, and make data-informed decisions, helping meet your customers' evolving needs. Embracing AI is crucial for its long-term sustainability and continued relevance in the industry.
An AI Challenge: Jobs are Changing with AI
Potential Job Elimination
One of the concerning aspects of AI for employees involves the threat of job elimination. Sure, some data-focused, repetitive, or predictive jobs in the banking industry may not exist a year from now. But for the committed employee, there’s an opportunity to learn how they can be a part of the future of banking through using AI tools and increasing productivity. While standing in the same spot is no longer a possibility on this AI treadmill, I firmly believe those who decide to move forward and expand their capabilities will find opportunities open up.
Train and Empower Existing Employees
Sometimes, there’s a rush to hire employees already experienced with these new technologies. Sure, you may get staff that is up to speed on the new technologies, but you may be missing out on some of that valuable industry knowledge. By training and empowering existing employees to maximize their use of AI, you may find a better option for your long-term success. Plus, one of the key benefits of using AI is it can handle the routine, repetitive, and mundane tasks that allow for the “human banker” to do what they do best - interact and take care of customers.
When presenting employees with these new opportunities, management often hears a "that's not what you hired me for" mindset. A deeper understanding of the benefits and where AI is headed will assist in the shift in perspective that’s necessary to guide employees into understanding AI and how to use it to further their careers.
Importance of AI for Community Banking
AI's impact on banking and the marketing function is going to be a critical combination for community banks to survive and present themselves as a viable consumer option. Community banking adds something valuable to the communities they serve that big banks seem to miss. If technology like AI provides community bankers to be “more present” to do what they do best, I see that as a huge win.
Stay tuned for my second challenge that bank marketers face – accessing, understanding, and effectively using data. But in the meantime, if you’re interested in talking about your AI strategy (or maybe the lack of one), let’s connect. Contact us today for more information about how WSI can help your community bank embrace AI technology and remain relevant and competitive in this evolving technology landscape!
You may also be interested in downloading our ChatGPT eBook series, with THREE editions published now!