Fintech Forward Newsletter - Issue 27
17 February 2026
This week’s newsletter looks at how AI is reshaping banking, with a growing emphasis on moving beyond experimentation and delivering measurable returns.
Recent industry research by Finastra shows almost universal uptake of AI among financial institutions globally, with leaders now focusing on scaling the technology responsibly, securely, and profitably across core functions.
Similarly, as highlighted in a recent IDC report, many Asian banks are increasing their investment in AI and examining how agentic AI can automate complex processes, support faster and more consistent decision-making, and scale efficiently – supported by strong data and governance.
As AI changes the way we work, the industry is looking at how AI is increasingly removing routine tasks in banking, leaving humans to focus on handling more complex tasks.
Alongside these developments, we share 25 use cases for GenAI in finance and highlight the best in show winners from Finovate Europe 2026.
AI now finance sector’s ‘connective tissue’
Research from Finastra shows that financial institutions are no longer debating whether to adopt AI but are focused on where it delivers tangible value and how it can be deployed responsibly. Only 2% of global respondents say they are not using AI at all, which underscores how decisively the industry has crossed the threshold.
IDC: Agentic AI – a smart bet for bank ROI
Asian banks are increasing AI investment amid growing complexity and economic pressure, with the emphasis now on how to deliver ROI. Agentic AI offers the potential to enable measurable returns by automating complex banking processes, supporting faster decisions, improving consistency, and driving efficiency, with the right data and governance in place.
Banking becomes harder with AI
Financial crime is booming, driven by AI, phishing and social engineering. Experts say coordinated education, monitoring, and cross-border action are essential to protect victims and fight sophisticated, global scams.
Top Takeaways
GenAI use cases in FS
FIs are shifting from AI pilots to scaled deployments delivering measurable business value, with growing focus on performance, governance and operational impact.
Event
Finovate London 2026
The Best of Show winners from FinovateEurope 2026 were recently announced at the gathering of fintech leaders, with live demos and expert insights on the future of finance.
Report
Metia Insight Studies
Use data driven insight to inform and improve your customer experiences, engagement and relationship strategies. Our insight studies give you actionable insights and practical recommendations, all built using advanced data science techniques and expert analysis.