Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being adopted in the banking sector, but experts caution that without high-quality data, these initiatives may not yield the desired results. In a regulated industry like banking, utilizing inconsistent data can lead to suboptimal outcomes. The principle of "garbage-in, garbage-out" applies here, as AI models rely on good data to produce reliable outputs. This issue has been highlighted by early generative AI chatbots based on large-language models, which were prone to making "hallucinations" due to insufficient factual data.

The risks associated with poor data quality include misleading insights and potential regulatory and compliance issues. Good data is not just technically necessary; it is crucial for business success. Organizations aiming to leverage AI effectively must prioritize their data management strategies.

AI is reshaping global banking by enhancing efficiency and productivity in critical areas such as risk assessment and fraud detection. However, scaling these initiatives remains challenging due to significant data management hurdles. Banks are often encumbered by outdated IT systems and unstructured data from various sources. They must also navigate technological changes within an evolving regulatory environment while complying with frameworks like those from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the General Data Protection Regulation.

To fully harness AI's potential, banks need a comprehensive data strategy that includes sourcing complete datasets, ensuring high-quality and standardized information, maintaining transparency, and implementing robust governance processes.

For successful AI implementation in banking, organizations must commit to a sustained top-down approach throughout their entire operation. This involves sourcing accurate datasets from trusted vendors, verifying data quality through low-risk projects before scaling up, organizing structured data systems for reliability, ensuring transparency with clear context and metadata support, and establishing strong governance protocols covering all aspects of AI development.

Readers interested in optimizing their bank's data journey for AI excellence can download a full e-book detailing these principles.