fortune.com · 12 Sep, 14:38 · Technology briefing

(Sm)all banks should compete on technology, not fear it

Recent analysis suggests that smaller financial institutions must leverage technology as a competitive advantage rather than viewing it as a threat.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Recent analysis suggests that smaller financial institutions must leverage technology as a competitive advantage rather than viewing it as a threat. Instead of fearing disruption from larger competitors or fintech startups, these banks should adopt digital tools to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. The report argues that technological integration is essential for survival and growth in the modern banking sector. By focusing on innovation, small banks can differentiate themselves and maintain relevance against established market leaders who possess greater resources but potentially less agility in adopting new digital solutions.

Employer demand for AI in Banking skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)
20191x20201.4x20212x20222.9x20234.2x20246x20258.6x202611.5x
Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This shift means you must prioritise digital literacy alongside traditional financial expertise. Roles bridging technology and banking operations will see increased demand. If you work in finance, you should actively develop skills in data analytics and digital transformation strategies. Professionals in IT or software development should understand banking compliance and customer service nuances. A smart move is to upskill in areas like process automation or customer relationship management systems. Do not ignore this trend; instead, position yourself as a connector who can translate technical capabilities into tangible business value. Review your current skill set and identify gaps in digital proficiency. Seek projects that involve implementing new technologies within financial workflows to demonstrate your adaptability and strategic thinking to potential employers.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI in Banking, Data Science, Cyber Security and Digital Marketing — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below
AI in Banking+26%Data Science+27%Cyber Security+27%Digital Marketing+32%
Matched to this story

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This briefing is based on reporting by fortune.com on 12 Sep, 14:38. Read the original coverage →

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