From Torque To Talent: How AI Is Redefining Risk Operations In Fintech

Forbes

3 days ago

Vijay Pandey Associate VP in Financial Services at Wipro LTD, is a futurist setting fintech trends through AI and strategic innovation.
When power drills and wrenches were introduced, mechanics didn't disappear. They adapted. Physical strength was no longer the key to performance. Instead, technique, experience and torque ratings became the differentiators. This shift extended careers, reduced fatigue and made servicing faster and more cost-effective. More vehicles hit the road, and more service centers opened to maintain them.
Now, imagine that same transformation in lending, mortgage and risk operations.
AI As The New Power Tool
Financial services have traditionally relied on professionals with years of experience to navigate complex models, detect fraud and manage regulatory risk. AI is changing that. It's like giving a cyborg the job: Tasks that once took years of training are now completed faster, more accurately and more consistently.
AI does not replace talent. It amplifies it. Junior analysts can perform like seasoned experts, while experienced professionals focus on strategic decisions instead of manual tasks.
Generative AI is now embedded across the lending life cycle. From underwriting and funding to servicing and compliance, AI tools detect fraud, flag anomalies, extract data and enable predictive routing. This improves speed, accuracy and customer experience, especially in high-volume areas like mortgage origination and loan servicing.
AI also excels in voice interactions. Our AI-powered agents handle common customer queries such as payment assistance, loan status updates and dispute resolution. These agents automate high-frequency calls, reduce the need for human intervention and improve operational efficiency.
IT's Shift To Subscription Models
Services are evolving. What was once bespoke is now on-demand.
Consider tech products. Previously, IT specialists manually configured networks and data centers. Today, cloud platforms like Azure and AWS allow users to spin up servers with a few clicks.
The IT role has shifted to cloud and FinOps managers. These professionals optimize configurations for cost and performance. It's similar to portfolio analysts balancing risk and return. Bandwidth versus risk tolerance. Uptime versus return on investment. Configuration versus allocation. Skills are converging.
Hyper-Personalization And AI Agents
AI is not just about automation. It is about intelligence. Hyper-personalization allows financial institutions to tailor services to individual profiles in real time. For example, Northern Trust uses AI to deliver personalized investment insights and improve equity performance.
AI agents are autonomous systems that reason, plan and act. They are reshaping financial operations. These agents are collaborators. They manage workflows, connect to data and make decisions within defined parameters.
At the 2025 Febraban Tech conference, CEOs from Brazil's top banks described how AI is transforming their institutions into intelligent platforms. These platforms are connected, predictive and sustainable. AI is accelerating credit decisions, enhancing fraud detection and improving efficiency.
Measurable Benefits
Our experience shows that AI delivers real results. This includes faster loan processing through document extraction, fraud detection and routing; better accuracy in spotting red flags and inconsistencies; higher customer satisfaction due to quicker responses and fewer errors; a productivity boost in contract migration and document processing; and lower operational costs by automating common call types.
Starting Your AI Journey
These benefits are not theoretical.
For example, AI models reach up to 90% accuracy, reducing false positives and costs. Additionally, in my experience, AI-driven processes cut underwriting processing time by 70%, speeding credit access. AI also simulates thousands of scenarios in seconds, improving stress tests and compliance.
These capabilities do not just improve performance. They redefine it.
To begin your AI journey, focus on high-impact, low-complexity use cases. Build a scalable data infrastructure and create a pilot-to-scale framework. Embed ethics and explainability early, and invest in talent and change management.
Talent Shift From Operators To Architects
As AI grows more powerful, human roles evolve. Like mechanics mastering power tools, financial professionals must learn to orchestrate AI systems.
This requires hybrid talent. Professionals must understand both finance and technology.
The future belongs to those who bridge data science and strategy. AI is the power tool, and no-code and low-code platforms are the new workbench. Those who master both will shape tomorrow's growth.
Challenges And Considerations
AI adoption brings risks and responsibilities. Here are four key challenges and how to address them:
AI thrives on data, but financial data is sensitive. Institutions must prevent breaches and comply with laws like GDPR, CCPA and GLBA. Use encryption and synthetic data, and audit access regularly.
AI models must be transparent, auditable and legally sound. Use explainable AI frameworks and ensure architecture supports compliance.
AI can reinforce bias, especially in credit scoring and fraud detection. Without explainability, models may fail regulatory review. Use diverse training data, monitor outputs, and ensure transparency.
AI requires new skills and cultural shifts. Barriers include resistance, lack of training and unclear roles. Launch certification programs, build cross-functional teams and encourage experimentation.
Are You Ready To Pick Up The Wrench?
We are on the brink of a financial revolution. Leaders are embracing AI to streamline operations and spark innovation. They are investing in technology and training to evolve with the tools.
This shift is redefining roles and creating new opportunities. AI is not a threat. It is a catalyst. It is reshaping operations, unlocking performance and driving growth.
So, whether you are in fintech, IT or operations, ask yourself: Are you still relying on muscle, or have you picked up the power wrench of our time?
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