Plaid's chief executive, Zach Perret, told the Money20/20 conference that the industry is in a 'dead sprint using AI to fight AI fraud'. He described the situation as a potential 'scary year' for financial security as fraudsters adopt more sophisticated tools.

This warning signals that banks and payment firms may need to act quickly to strengthen their AI-driven fraud prevention systems. The rapid escalation of AI capabilities on both sides could put pressure on risk teams and technology budgets.

Banking Dive reports that PNC, a regional bank based in Pittsburgh, has invested significantly in AI for internal use. However, CEO Bill Demchak said agent-only transactions "will never happen" at the bank, warning that such a move could "mess with people's lives."

This stance suggests PNC values human oversight in customer transactions, even as it adopts advanced technology. For regulated banks, the approach raises questions about the balance between automation and the need for trust, accountability and compliance in financial services.

Cross River, an $8.5 billion-asset bank, plans to acquire Accrue’s branded-wallet platform, stored value and technology, according to the bank. Cross River said the move would allow it to offer partners a complete embedded finance stack.

This deal matters for regulated-industry leaders as it signals a shift towards integrated loyalty and payment solutions. Banks and insurers may see new partnership models and technology integrations emerge from such acquisitions.

Ramp, a fintech, announced it had raised $1.85 billion in a recent funding round, according to Banking Dive. The company is now applying for a national trust bank charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). The news follows a lawsuit by a banking trade group against the OCC, citing concerns about the growing number of trust charters being granted.

This development signals increased competition and scrutiny in the regulated banking sector. Senior leaders should watch for how the OCC manages industry pushback and what this means for fintechs seeking similar licences.

According to Banking Dive, Wells Fargo’s head of AI products and solutions said that redesigning workflows with artificial intelligence is the bank’s biggest focus for 2027. The bank is concentrating on how AI can change internal processes and improve efficiency.

This signals a shift for banks and other regulated firms, as AI-driven workflow changes may affect risk management and compliance. Senior leaders should track how these changes develop, as they could influence future technology investment and operational planning.