The banking industry is undergoing a major transformation, and it’s not just about new products or services; it’s about a shift in how banks operate at every level. With emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and composable applications rapidly becoming the norm in banking, the roles within IT departments are being reshaped in ways we never imagined. In 2024, IT engineers could soon find themselves in leadership positions, guiding innovation, developing cutting-edge products, and leading digital transformations. But it’s not just the tech teams who need to adapt—non-technical staff will also have to enhance their skills to keep up with the tech-driven world of banking. Here’s a deeper dive into the evolving roles and what this means for the future of banking.
The Rise of Technology in Banking Leadership
Traditionally, banking leadership has been dominated by financial experts, with IT teams supporting the back-end systems that keep everything running. But as banks adopt AI, cloud tech, and composable apps to stay competitive, IT engineers are becoming the architects of the future. They will play a pivotal role in creating innovative products, leading transformation strategies, and providing a tech-forward vision. As a result, IT professionals—once limited to managing infrastructure—are now poised to take on executive roles, driving the direction of technology and shaping the customer experience. This shift highlights the increasing importance of tech in business strategy, meaning IT engineers could be the next CEOs, CTOs, and senior leaders in banking.
AI and Automation: A Game-Changer for Banking Roles
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how banks interact with customers, process transactions, and manage data. AI tools can automate routine tasks, improve customer service through chatbots, and enhance decision-making with predictive analytics. For IT engineers, this means a shift from just maintaining systems to innovating with AI-powered tools. As banks increasingly rely on AI for everything from risk assessment to personalized financial advice, IT engineers will be tasked with developing, testing, and managing AI systems. On the flip side, non-technical employees in customer service, marketing, or operations will need to understand how to work with AI tools to create better customer experiences and more efficient processes.
Cloud Technology and the Democratization of Data
Cloud computing is another major disruptor in the banking sector. It allows banks to store vast amounts of data securely, streamline operations, and improve scalability. With the cloud, financial institutions can quickly adapt to changes in demand, integrate new software, and experiment with new products—all while keeping costs under control. As banks move more of their operations to the cloud, IT engineers will find themselves playing an even more critical role in building and maintaining these systems. Moreover, cloud platforms are making it easier for non-technical staff to access real-time data, analyze it, and make informed decisions. This democratization of data will require everyone in the bank—regardless of their role—to become more tech-savvy.
Composable Apps: Flexibility for Custom Products
Composable apps are modular software systems that allow banks to build custom solutions by mixing and matching different components. These apps provide greater flexibility and agility, allowing banks to quickly adapt to market changes or customer needs without having to overhaul entire systems. For IT engineers, this presents an exciting opportunity to design and create tailor-made solutions that cater to specific customer needs. This shift will empower banks to deliver highly personalized financial products and services, making it essential for non-technical employees—especially those in product development, marketing, and customer support—to understand the capabilities of composable apps so they can work collaboratively with tech teams to shape offerings that meet customer expectations.
Non-Technical Employees: Bridging the Skills Gap
With technology rapidly evolving, non-technical employees must enhance their digital skills to stay relevant. In 2024, it’s no longer enough to simply rely on traditional knowledge of banking products and services. Understanding how AI, cloud systems, and composable apps work will be crucial for developing strategies that align with customer needs. Employees in customer service, marketing, or compliance will need to learn how to use AI tools for tasks like personalizing client interactions or analyzing customer behavior. By gaining basic technical knowledge, non-technical employees can better collaborate with IT teams and contribute to the development of innovative products and services that drive customer satisfaction and bank growth.
Collaboration Between IT and Business Teams: The Key to Success
The future of banking will be defined by a close partnership between technical and non-technical departments. As IT engineers take on more leadership roles, they will need to collaborate with business teams to ensure that new products and services meet customer needs. Conversely, non-technical staff must understand the technology behind the products they offer to provide meaningful feedback and help shape strategies. The integration of tech and business will foster a culture of innovation and adaptability, making it easier for banks to respond to challenges, deliver personalized services, and stay ahead in the competitive banking landscape.
Conclusion
As banking technology continues to evolve in 2024, the roles within the industry will transform dramatically. IT engineers will no longer be behind the scenes but at the forefront of innovation, driving the development of AI-driven products and tech-savvy customer experiences. Non-technical employees, too, will need to enhance their technical skills to keep pace with these changes, ensuring that banks remain competitive and responsive to customer needs. The key to success in this new era will be collaboration between business and IT teams, creating an environment where innovation and adaptability thrive.
