Banking on technology: an analysis of the impact of artificial intelligence on the duties of the banker

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the banking sector signifies a paradigm shift, offering unprecedented opportunities for operational efficiency, personalized customer experiences and enhanced risk management. However, this technological transformation concurrently introduces significant challenges to the conventional duties incumbent upon bankers, rooted in common law and statutory obligations. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted impact of AI on these fundamental duties, examining the tension between technological advancement and established legal and ethical responsibilities. It explores how AI applications, while augmenting capabilities in areas such as fraud detection, credit scoring, and customer service, simultaneously strain core duties. The analysis reveals that while AI offers transformative potential, its data-centric nature necessitates robust governance frameworks, potentially revised legal interpretations and heightened ethical considerations to ensure that innovation does not erode the foundational trust and fiduciary responsibilities inherent in the banker-customer relationship. Failure to navigate these challenges risks significant legal, regulatory, and reputational damage, demanding a careful balancing act between leveraging technology and upholding traditional duties.