A few tips for bank CIOs for upcoming 2026 fiscal planning
Executives should prioritize two to three high-impact use cases — such as loan origination automation, AI-assisted customer service, or AI-driven CRM and marketing automation — that deliver measurable ROI within 12 to 24 months. Chasing every AI feature on vendor roadmaps dilutes value; focus and selectivity accelerate impact.
Equally important is readiness. Successful adoption requires an operating model that integrates staff training, cultural alignment and robust governance frameworks for risk, bias and regulatory oversight. By establishing clear accountability and phased adoption roadmaps, institutions can reduce dependency on vendors and build long-term internal capability.
Ultimately, boards and management should evaluate projects against a disciplined framework: alignment with macro conditions, strategic prioritization, governance safeguards and a clear capability-building roadmap. When framed this way, AI and automation become not just cost items but compelling business cases for growth and resilience, helping community institutions level the playing field with larger competitors.