- AI is transforming client interactions with their bankers, as clients use AI to generate and propose ideas to the bank.
- UBS has integrated AI into its services, launching a pilot for instant credit last year aimed at small and mid-size companies with urgent liquidity needs.
OUR TAKE
UBS recognises the impact AI is already having on the banking industry. Its proactive embrace of AI is forward-thinking, highlighting technology’s potential to revolutionise banking and help UBS maintain its leadership in the AI age. However, as AI becomes more integrated into financial services, UBS and other banks must remain vigilant about data security and ethical considerations.
–Jasmine Zhang, BTW reporter
What happened
UBS is experiencing a transformation in client interactions driven by artificial intelligence, according to Sabine Keller-Busse, head of the Swiss bank’s domestic business. She compared this shift to patients visiting doctors with preconceived notions of their ailments, as clients now use AI to generate ideas which they propose to the bank.
Speaking at the Point Zero Forum in Zurich, Keller-Busse highlighted the impact of tools like ChatGPT in making more data accessible to clients, emphasising the necessity for the bank to recognise this trend.
UBS has integrated AI into its services and products, launching a pilot for instant credit last year aimed at small and mid-size companies with urgent liquidity needs. This service bypasses credit officers, speeding up the process for standard products.
Keller-Busse noted, “It’s just the beginning of what we will see.”
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Also read: 5 ways AI is transforming banking
Why it’s important
UBS’s embrace of AI is a forward-thinking move that highlights the potential of technology to revolutionise banking. By enabling clients to use AI for generating ideas, UBS is fostering a more dynamic and informed client relationship. This shift empowers clients, allowing them to approach their bankers with well-researched proposals, which can lead to more productive and personalised financial interactions.
The instant credit pilot for small and mid-size companies is particularly promising. By streamlining the credit approval process, UBS addresses urgent liquidity needs efficiently, setting a new standard for responsiveness in banking. This not only benefits businesses but also showcases how AI can simplify and accelerate traditional banking processes.
However, as AI becomes more integrated into financial services, UBS and other banks must remain vigilant about data security and ethical considerations. Overall, UBS’s initiatives signify a progressive step towards a more innovative and client-centric banking experience.
