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AI could cut banks’ servicing costs by 20-30%, BCG says
Banks are using artificial intelligence to do some tasks faster and more cheaply.
These tasks include checking loan applications, helping customers and collecting repayments.
BCG estimates that AI could lower the cost of serving bank customers by 20% to 30%.
Many banks are already reporting better process efficiency.
Some are also reducing costs in specific areas, such as collections.
AI may help banks understand people and small businesses that do not have much credit history.
This could make it easier for more MSMEs to receive loans.
BCG says AI could improve banks’ profits and help them handle more assets per employee.
In India, the technology may create growth by serving unmet demand rather than only replacing workers.
Artificial intelligence could reduce banks’ cost-to-serve by 20-30%, according to Boston Consulting Group partner Tirtha Chatterjee.
Banks are deploying AI in underwriting, collections, customer service and borrower discussions.
More than 70% of report respondents reported process-efficiency gains, while nearly half saw cost reductions in selected areas.
BCG said 80% of interviewed banking executives expect returns on AI investments within about one year.
AI could improve lending access for underserved MSMEs by analyzing alternative data and lowering servicing costs.
- Who
- Banks, Boston Consulting Group partner Tirtha Chatterjee and executives surveyed for BCG’s report.
- What
- BCG estimates that AI could reduce banks’ cost-to-serve by 20-30% and improve lending, efficiency and returns.
- Where
- The discussion concerns banks broadly, with specific relevance to India’s banking sector and MSMEs.
- When
- The estimate comes from BCG’s latest report; 80% of interviewed executives expect returns on AI investments within about one year.
- Why
- Banks are adopting AI to improve underwriting, collections, customer service and process efficiency while expanding access to credit.
Key facts
- Estimated cost reduction
- 20-30% lower cost-to-serve for banks
- Expected returns
- 80% of surveyed executives expect AI investment returns within about one year
- Current efficiency gains
- More than 70% of respondents reported process-efficiency benefits
- Reported cost reductions
- Nearly one in two respondents saw cost reductions in selected areas
- Potential return on assets
- An “agentic bank” could unlock a 100-basis-point uplift in return on assets
- Potential cost-to-income ratio
- BCG projects 25-30% for an agentic banking model
- Potential workforce effect
- An agentic bank could deliver nearly twice the assets per employee
Quotes
Tirtha Chatterjee
Partner at Boston Consulting Group
“80% of the CXOs that we interviewed believe that in the near term, let’s say in one year or so, they would realise returns on their AI investments”
financialexpress.com
“India’s story can be slightly different from the global story”
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