Artificial Intelligence is likely to be adopted in the coming years across all major industry sectors, but it's the banking industry that analysts believe has the most to gain.

While banks are likely less attractive places of employment for AI technologists than developers such as Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) or OpenAI, financial services companies are already partnering with these developers to leverage the technology in applications such as risk management, portfolio monitoring and regulatory compliance.

Technology budgets are rising — in 2019 JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE:JPM) dedicated $11.4 billion to research how AI can eradicate financial crime, improve client experience and securely manage data, among other areas.

Others, such as Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) and Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) have launched chatbots to provide mobile customer services.

"The banking sector's readiness for Generative AI is evident in its sustained digitization, large, customer-facing workforces and strict regulatory environment," said Dimitrios Papanastasiou, lead author of a report by Moody's Analytics.

"Banks are beginning to tap into the potential of GenAI for frontline and back-office operations, analytics, data creation, customer servicing and software development activities."

Also Read: Big Banks Collaborate With IBM On Quantum Computing

Much Research Is Still Needed

Indeed, the banking industry isn't stopping at AI. It is also putting considerable resources into all areas of fintech, including taking the first steps into quantum computing as cloud infrastructure improves. Here, IBM (NYSE:IBM) is partnering with a number of banks including Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) and JPMorgan to research potential commercial applications.

According to Moody's Analytics, the possibilities are vast for enhancing current solutions using GenAI. But there's still much research to be done — particularly in an industry that is so strictly regulated.

For example, could the efficiency gains be offset by the high costs of deploying the required architecture? And would automated functions continue to necessitate extensive and expensive human oversight?

"The results so far are encouraging, but further evidence is needed to ensure robust, accurate and unbiased input in the decision making," said Papanastasiou. "And one of the most significant challenges would be to ensure the ethical and responsible use of this technology."

Does AI Need Regulating?

This latter point is underlined by recent activity by a number of countries in providing guidelines on the development of AI technology.

On Monday, 18 nations signed an agreement on recommendations for "secure by design" development of the technology, while some countries have even discussed providing a stricter regulatory framework.

With its access to people's money and vast archives of personal data, the banking industry has to ensure top priority to the safe deployment of any new technology. But, it is possible that GenAI will prove to be one of the transforming moments in cybersecurity.

Now Read: Artificial Intelligence: 18 Countries Sign 'Secure By Design' Agreement

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