Artificial intelligence in global banking: a board-level perspective

Heather Barnes 29 Jun 2026

This paper synthesises confidential interviews with Chief Data Officers, Chief AI Officers, and senior technology and business leaders across large global banking institutions. What emerged was not a lack of ambition, but a consistent challenge in turning AI investment into enterprise wide value.

As AI moves beyond experimentation, the focus is shifting from pilots to execution  redesigning processes, strengthening governance, improving data foundations, and creating clear accountability to deliver measurable business outcomes.

 

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Heather Barnes

Heather is a Partner in Leathwaite’s global Technology, Data & AI Practice, advising boards and executive teams on the leadership needed to drive digital transformation and enterprise innovation. She appoints CIOs, CTOs, Chief Data, AI Officers, CISOs, and other senior…

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