BIS warns of rising AI risks reshaping global banking security

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has highlighted growing risks as banks integrate AI deeper into financial operations. These systems now influence decisions in fraud detection, customer support, and personalised services. The shift raises concerns about vulnerabilities that could affect everyday banking outcomes. Banks are adopting AI across underwriting, transaction monitoring, and other core functions. The next phase involves agentic systems making autonomous decisions with minimal human oversight. This increases exposure to three key risks: integrity, dependency, and trust.

Consumers already doubt mobile app security and fear financial harm from breaches. AI-connected systems could worsen these concerns if not properly secured. Attackers may not need to target the AI model directly—manipulating APIs or data sources can skew its decisions.

The BIS warns that wider AI use could amplify financial weaknesses. Security programmes must now assess AI workflows continuously, prioritise vulnerabilities, and validate runtime behaviour. Human oversight remains critical for high-stakes decisions to maintain trust. Financial institutions must secure every layer around AI to protect customer money, data, and confidence. Banks and regulators need to move beyond traditional vulnerability checks to address real, exploitable risks. Without this, trust in AI-driven financial systems could erode further.