Leaders from Banorte, Intesa Sanpaolo, Millennium BCP, and Old National Bank analyze how to integrate artificial intelligence with a human, strategic, and sustainable approach.

Guatemala, November 12, 2025. Artificial intelligence (AI) has gone from being a promise to an urgent necessity in the financial sector. In a new report by SAS, titled From Algorithms to Impact: Banking's AI Future , global industry leaders share five essential lessons for implementing a responsible and effective technological transformation aligned with strategic business goals.

The study brings together the perspectives of senior executives from Banorte (Mexico ), Intesa Sanpaolo (Italy) , Millennium BCP (Portugal) and Old National Bank (United States) , and demonstrates that, beyond the size of the institution, success in AI stems from a comprehensive, collaborative and people-centered vision.

1. AI must respond to business, not to fashion.
Institutions must integrate AI as part of their business strategy, and not treat it as an isolated initiative. “Leadership from top management is non-negotiable,” emphasized Abraham Izquierdo of Banorte. Meanwhile, Millennium BCP is developing models to anticipate crisis scenarios and prepare in advance.

2. People at the forefront of technology.
Banks agree that human judgment remains indispensable. “Tools alone cannot answer the big business questions,” stated José Miguel Pessanha of Millennium. Intesa Sanpaolo, meanwhile, has created a culture that values ​​data as a strategic asset for achieving financial inclusion and more informed decisions.

3. Climb with solid foundations.
Before moving forward, a robust infrastructure is essential. From cloud platforms to data governance, every step must be meticulously planned. “Walking before running is crucial,” said Pessanha. Old National Bank and Banorte agree that short-term goals must align with an ambitious long-term vision.

4. Activate innovation from within.
To move forward, innovation must be generated internally. Old National Bank automated processes with generative AI, freeing up human talent for more analytical tasks. “Now people can do more rewarding and valuable work,” said Andrew McCammack. Banorte, for its part, has improved its ability to react to market volatility.

5. AI is a journey, not a destination.
Executives emphasize the need for continuous learning, staying connected with universities, startups, and emerging technologies. “Generative AI drives new ideas, but its true potential depends on human judgment,” noted Andrea Cosentini of Intesa Sanpaolo. Banorte also highlights its usefulness in cybersecurity and business continuity.

“Trust is the most valuable currency in the financial sector. Implementing AI ethically and securely strengthens it,” concluded Stu Bradley of SAS. According to the executive, AI can help strengthen trust when implemented responsibly, but without robust governance and safeguards, the risks outpace the rewards.

For nearly five decades, SAS has helped banks turn aspirational AI into action, building the databases, governance, and risk management models needed to scale innovation responsibly.

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