The Pragmatic Path to AI in Business Banking

And The Future Of Customer Interaction

How can mainstream banks can safely unlock small business growth through data, engagement, and trusted AI?

Small business banking is at a tipping point. Costs are rising, challengers are winning nearly half of all new accounts, and trust in incumbents is slipping. Yet mainstream banks already hold the deepest datasets, the strongest regulatory licenses, and the broadest reach.

With agentic AI, banks can finally turn those assets into an unbeatable advantage — delivering service that feels human, but at scale.

In this white paper, we explore:

• Why challengers are winning small business primacy and how mainstream banks can tip the balance back

• The three foundations of the future: structured data, pragmatic AI, and engagement

• Real-world use cases already delivering value today, from fraud prevention to voice-led virtual assistants

• A practical roadmap for banks to start small, stay safe, and scale fast

This paper is essential reading for banking leaders who want to cut through the AI hype and deliver trusted, practical solutions for small business customers.