More Than Half of US Bankers Say AI Is an Organizational Priority

American Banker’s 2026 AI Talent Transformation Survey found that more than half of US banking professionals consider AI a high organizational priority. Banks are shifting their focus from adding software developers to equipping employees with AI skills to reduce operating costs, boost productivity and automate routine workflows.

The latest survey found that most responding banks and credit unions increased spending on AI technology by at least 10% over the past year, with investment focused mainly on workflow automation and efficiency tools. Institutions spending more also reported greater productivity gains. However, methods for measuring employees’ AI proficiency remain largely ad hoc, and the survey did not disclose actual spending amounts.