The Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards and TABInsights’ World’s Best Digital, Retail Banks and Financial Platforms rankings recognise the top-performing banks, fintechs and financial platforms that have demonstrated resilience, adaptability and customer-centric strategies. Retail banks embrace AI and digitalisation Leading retail banks have strengthened their positions through a combination of financial stability and AI-driven digital engagement. They have focused on improving customer experience, enhancing operational efficiency, and expanding their digital services. The increasing adoption of AI-powered personalisation, fraud detection and seamless digital onboarding reflects the industry’s shift towards more intuitive and accessible banking solutions. Many banks have also refined their AI-driven deposit and credit risk assessment strategies to maintain strong low-cost funding bases, ensuring long-term sustainability in a competitive environment. Digital banks strengthen market presence with AI Digital banks have continued to gain momentum, with an increasing number reaching profitability at a faster pace. Many have expanded their customer base significantly, leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance product offerings, streamline operations and improve customer experience. The trend towards multi-product ecosystems, powered by AI-driven insights, has enabled these banks to enhance customer engagement while maintaining operational efficiency. As digital banking adoption grows, more institutions are expected to achieve profitability, reinforcing their role as key players in the financial sector. Financial platforms reshape banking experiences with AI Financial platforms are becoming an integral part of the banking landscape, offering seamless AI-powered digital services that go beyond traditional banking. By integrating AI-enhanced payments, lending and investment solutions, these platforms provide a holistic approach to financial management. Strategic partnerships with banks and fintechs have accelerated their adoption, while advancements in AI-driven data analytics and predictive modelling have improved personalisation, security and risk management. With a growing emphasis on embedded finance and AI-powered automation, these platforms are redefining how customers interact with financial services. Future of AI-driven digital and retail banking Retail banks continue to evolve through digital transformation, with AI-driven personalisation, automation and operational efficiency becoming increasingly central to their strategies. Digital banks are expanding rapidly, reaching profitability faster and offering a wider range of AI-powered financial services, making them formidable competitors to traditional institutions. Financial platforms are also gaining traction, integrating AI-enhanced financial services into seamless digital ecosystems that provide users with a more convenient and comprehensive banking experience. As AI continues to shape the future of finance, innovation and customer-centric strategies will remain at the forefront of the industry. The coming year will further highlight the ongoing shift towards a more interconnected, AI-powered and digitally-driven financial landscape.
