What are the key challenges and priorities for financial services leaders in 2026 and beyond?

The financial services industry stands at an inflection point in its adoption of artificial intelligence for decisioning. Our 2026 Global Decisioning Survey reveals a sector that recognizes AI’s transformative potential yet struggles with universal implementation challenges.

We surveyed 203 senior decision-makers—including Chief Risk Officers, CEOs, CFOs, and Heads of Risk—across 22 countries spanning banking, fintech, insurance, telecommunications, and other financial services sectors. The findings paint a nuanced picture of an industry in transition.

These findings reveal an industry that knows where it needs to go but faces significant challenges getting there. The organizations that successfully navigate implementation barriers—around compliance, explainability, and integration—will build sustainable competitive advantages through faster, more accurate, and more adaptive decisioning.