How AI Is Changing the Economics of Indian Banking

AIQ TALKS: Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser, State Bank of India and Mayank, Founder & CEO, ADROSONIC

Indian banking has moved from branch-led services to digital infrastructure, UPI and now AI-driven decision-making. For an industry serving hundreds of millions of customers, the next phase is not simply about adopting new technology, but using it to improve access, productivity and the quality of decisions.

In this episode of TOI AIQ Talks, Soumya Kanti Ghosh and Mayank examine how AI is reshaping banking, from credit assessment and customer service to workforce transformation and the future of the sector.

AI Must Solve a Business Problem

The value of AI in banking lies in what it enables, not simply in automation. Digital footprints can help assess creditworthiness, accelerate lending decisions and bring customers without traditional financial records into the formal credit system. For enterprises, the principle is broader: define the business outcome first, then determine where AI can create measurable value.

Speed Needs Human Judgement

AI can bring information together and accelerate decisions, but accountability remains with people. In lending, for example, AI can analyse credit scores, transaction histories and other digital signals, while the final decision remains subject to human judgement. This combination becomes particularly important in regulated industries where fairness, transparency and trust are fundamental.

The Next Advantage Is Workforce Capability

As AI becomes widely available, access to technology will become less of a differentiator. The ability to use information effectively, make sound decisions and adapt to changing roles will matter more. This places greater emphasis on reskilling and preparing employees to work alongside AI rather than simply operate new tools.

The conversation points to a larger shift: AI can accelerate India’s productivity, but its economic impact will depend on how effectively organisations combine technology, people and decision-making.

About AIQ Talks

AIQ Talks, The Times of India’s thought leadership series, brings together business and industry leaders to examine the impact of AI across sectors. As the AI Knowledge Partner, ADROSONIC contributes to the series through conversations led by Mayank, Founder & CEO.