Stakeholders in Nigeria’s financial services and technology sectors have highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure in reshaping the continent’s financial ecosystem.
This was discussed at the BusinessDay Fintech Summit 2026, where participants examined how innovation, data, and emerging technologies are influencing financial services and inclusion across Africa.
Speaking during a panel session titled “Intelligent Finance: How AI, Data and Automation are Rewriting Financial Services,” the Chief Technology Officer of FCMB, Blessing Ehize, said artificial intelligence is already transforming banking operations, according to a statement from the bank on Monday.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept; it is actively redefining how financial institutions operate. From improving risk assessment and fraud detection to enabling hyper-personalised customer experience, AI allows us to anticipate customer needs and respond in real time. The real value lies in how effectively we harness data to deliver smarter, faster, and more inclusive financial services,” he said.
Ehize said the bank’s approach to deploying AI is guided by the need to balance efficiency with trust and regulatory compliance.
“At FCMB, our approach to AI adoption is deliberate and responsible. We are integrating AI in ways that enhance efficiency without compromising trust, customer privacy, or regulatory compliance. This is why FCMB is ISO42001 certified. Technology must work for the customer, not against them, and must always align with ethical standards and human oversight,” he said.
He added that FCMB’s strategy aligns with broader global trends in financial services, where institutions are combining technological innovation with resilience.
“The intersection between what we do at FCMB and global financial best practices lies in our ability to balance innovation with resilience. Globally, AI is taking centre stage, whether you are a bank or not. It is coming to enable businesses and change lifestyles.
“We are building systems that are not only intelligent but also secure, scalable, and inclusive, ensuring that as we advance technologically, we bring more people into the financial ecosystem,” he said.
