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The financial industry is at an inflection point. As outlined in the Cornerstone 2025 Banking Report, banks and credit unions must evolve into “Smarter Banks” by 2030, or risk irrelevance in a world rapidly reshaped by digital-first experiences and AI.
Traditional banking models, defined by rigid hierarchies, manual processes, and legacy technology, are ill-equipped to compete with agile, tech-driven challengers. As the report puts it plainly: “Banking is changing fast, and banks and credit unions that don't adapt run the risk of being left behind.
Cornerstone Advisors identifies five critical pillars that financial institutions must embrace to transform into Smarter Banks:
Efficiency today is strategic, not just operational. It’s about optimizing every layer of the institution, not just reducing costs.
According to the report:
Leveraging automation and AI will be essential to reaching these efficiency targets and unlocking new levels of productivity.
Banks hold vast amounts of valuable data, but struggle to turn it into actionable intelligence.
Key insights from the report:
Breaking down data silos is the first step. That means integrating core banking systems, CRMs, and digital channels to create a unified source of truth. From there, institutions must empower employees with insights and implement AI-powered analytics to enhance performance and personalization.
Agility is a key differentiator between high-growth banks and those falling behind. Traditional institutions often rely on lengthy planning cycles, while fintechs and neobanks iterate rapidly.
The report recommends adopting a “release mentality” akin to leading tech companies, where development is continuous, not episodic.
A standout example:
SouthState Bank used AI to quickly design and launch targeted marketing campaigns, generating $2.3 million in new deposits in just three weeks.
In an increasingly crowded marketplace, many institutions fail to distinguish themselves beyond rates and fees, eroding margins and brand equity.
But differentiation is possible, even for smaller banks.
Citizens Bank of Edmond, with just $400 million in assets, launched a digital bank tailored to military personnel, hosted local events that drove $24 million in economic development, and partnered with fintechs to expand its offerings.
These strategic choices elevate the bank’s brand well beyond its balance sheet.
Staying static is no longer a viable strategy. Leading banks are actively pursuing opportunities, through M&A, product innovation, and strategic partnerships.
According to the report:
Example:
Sunflower Bank’s acquisition of Pioneer Bank yielded $6.5 million in cost savings through strategic contract negotiations, while keeping customer satisfaction high.
Each of these five pillars, efficiency, data, agility, differentiation, and opportunism, is deeply intertwined with artificial intelligence. AI isn’t just another tool, it’s the connective tissue enabling the Smarter Bank.
As the report states:
“If organizations want to remain competitive, they must rethink their approach, pivoting faster, experimenting boldly, and continuously evolving to meet customer expectations.”
AI empowers institutions to:
Becoming a Smarter Bank by 2030 demands more than surface-level tech adoption. It requires a fundamental shift in how financial institutions operate, make decisions, and deliver value.
The journey begins now. Institutions that embrace these five pillars, and harness AI as a strategic enabler, won’t just survive. They’ll lead the next era of financial services.
24/7 Banking Support: Why It’s Non-Negotiable
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