Architecting AI Success
Backbase
Build, buy or wait: how African banks are making AI pay
In a new report with African Banker, we surveyed 277 banking executives across 37 countries and spoke to leaders at Standard Bank, Moniepoint, I&M Group, Access Bank DRC and Attawfiq Microfinance. Here’s what separates the banks getting a return on AI from those that aren’t.
- AI can now move money. Your data has to keep up.
When two of your systems disagree about a customer, a person knows to check. An AI agent acts on whatever record it’s given.
55.7¢
of every IT dollar goes on keeping legacy systems running 2x
82%
of banks that can’t measure their AI returns still plan to spend more
Intestazione
2x
more likely to measure AI returns when working with vendors
Intestazione
277
banking executives across 37 countries
Intestazione
Three ways to get AI right. One way to get it wrong.
The banks seeing returns from AI chose their path on purpose. The ones that didn’t are paying for it.
01
The Platform Builder
Subline
Build your own platform, controls and cost tracking, then plug in AI models from outside. It takes years. Standard Bank shows how it pays off.
02
The Accelerator
Subline
Partner with specialist vendors whose measurement and guardrails come built in. You get there faster, with fewer nasty surprises.
03
The Deliberate Mover
Subline
Keep AI away from your core systems until you can govern it. For I&M Group and Attawfiq, waiting is a deliberate choice.
04
The costly fourth road: Drifting
Subline
Spending on AI with no clear plan and no way to measure it. Our survey suggests many banks are here without knowing it.
What's inside
- Path 1: The Platform Builder, with Standard Bank Group and Access Bank DRC
- Path 2: The Accelerator, with I&M Group
- Path 3: The Deliberate Mover, with I&M Group and Attawfiq Microfinance
- The fork in the road: what decides which path you can take
- Partner insight: Aymen Daoud, Backbase RVP Africa, on who signs off when an AI agent acts
- Five lessons for your 2027 AI plans
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