Reskilling the Future: How Banking Leaders Can Prepare Talent for the AI-Powered Era

The use and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) across various industries continue to rise, and banking is no exception. 

AI is transforming the financial sector, driving the demand for skilled workers in technical roles. So, for many banks, reskilling will be a crucial investment. The top banks are filling new roles, but also seeking partners to help train staff to bridge the skills gap. 

Here is how to prepare for AI in banking, and why upskilling in financial services matters. 

AI Is Here: Banks Must Quickly Adapt 

There is no denying that banks have shifted from physical to digital. Many processes have been automated, and AI is being integrated into various systems. Yes, AI helps drive down costs, supports data-driven decision-making, and enhances the customer experience. 

However, there are other considerations, such as banking staff. 

It is anticipated that by 2030, AI will transform nearly 40% of current banking work. A new class of AI agents is emerging to partner with humans. The goal is to enhance human capabilities while improving customer service and lending services.

To maximize the potential of this transformation, humans will need to make significant changes — and it’s the banking leaders who must take action.

To ensure your financial organization is well-equipped to meet the needs of customers today and into the future, you need to consider more than just hiring new talent. You need to start reskilling teams to stay competitive. Your staff have the knowledge they need to work within finance. However, they must now acquire the skills and experience to better prepare for the AI-powered era of banking. 

Where AI Is Reshaping Banking Operations

When considering what areas to address as a banking leader and how they will impact the future of banking jobs, consider the impact AI is having on the industry. 

Risk Management

AI is assisting banks and their customers. However, humans must play their role. 

AI enables predictive models for fraud detection, credit risk assessment, and compliance. By analyzing large datasets, AI models are learning to distinguish between legitimate transactions and suspicious activities. 

One area to consider is your current analysts. You’ll want to invest in upskilling traditional analysts into data-fluent interpreters.

Customer Service & Engagement

AI chatbots and virtual assistants are replacing tier-one service. However, this automated service often needs human teams to manage, train, and escalate service tickets. While there are some things AI cannot address, a portion of customers will get the answers and support they need, often outside of regular banking hours. 

On the human side of this technology, upskilling in digital empathy, escalation handling, and AI tool usage is critical.

Data Analytics & Product Strategy

AI tools now drive customer segmentation, behavioral insights, and product personalization. These insights are powerful and need analysts who can spot trends to enhance current product offerings. This strategy is also important for risk management. 

Teams need cross-functional fluency in both finance and analytics to drive growth. For example, your team could use predictive analytics to identify potential loan defaults.

Building a Culture of Continuous Learning

To remain competitive in the face of AI’s evolution, you must invest in training and continuous learning today. 

Data from IBM shows that nearly 70% of financial services companies believe that at least half of their teams require upskilling. 

Here are some tactics that may work for your team:

• Internal AI literacy programs
• Cross-training between IT and business units
• Partnering with third-party platforms and vendors

Why MRINetwork Is the Right Talent Partner in This Shift

MRINetwork has long been at the forefront in tracking the rise of generative AI in finance and banking. 

Here is how MRINetwork can assist your organization:

• We help banks and credit unions identify the leaders who can bridge the gap between technology and business. 
• Our team provides access to professionals skilled in transformation roles — digital strategy, AIOps, and risk innovation.
• Offering executive search tactics with long-term talent strategy alignment.

Reskilling Strategies Are Not Optional

The banking industry is evolving, and while some are wary of AI, it’s crucial to remember that technology will not eliminate human roles. AI won’t replace banking professionals. However, professionals who use AI will outperform those who don’t. AI is a tool that the top financial organizations use to enhance operations and service — it is not intended as a replacement. 

Leaders must take ownership of workforce evolution now, as adaptability will continue to be a significant competitive advantage in the future. If you are looking to fill specific roles, our team can help. The same applies to training the talent you already have. 

MRINetwork is ready to help you find the talent to lead — and train — for the future of AI in banking. Contact our team to discuss how we can support upskilling in financial services and the AI-powered finance careers those skills enable.